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Freezing protects against allergy to Anisakis simplex.
F García1, J G Blanco, M Garcés
1Section of Allergy, Hospital General Yagüe, Burgos, Spain. fgarciag@merlitex.es
Summary
Patients with Anisakis simplex allergy can safely eat frozen fish. Ingestion of dead Anisakis simplex larvae does not trigger allergic reactions, suggesting a seafood-free diet may not be necessary.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Parasitology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Allergic reactions to Anisakis simplex, a parasitic nematode, can occur after consuming fish.
- Previous concerns suggested reactions were possible even with frozen or well-cooked seafood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm that dead Anisakis simplex larvae do not elicit allergic reactions in sensitized individuals.
- To assess the safety of consuming frozen seafood in patients with Anisakis simplex hypersensitivity.
Main Methods:
- A simple-blind, placebo-controlled oral challenge with frozen Anisakis simplex larvae was conducted in 12 patients with severe reactions.
- Patients with hypersensitivity (n=75) were subsequently advised to consume frozen seafood regularly and monitored for 6 months.
Main Results:
- All patients tolerated the challenge with dead Anisakis simplex larvae without adverse reactions.
- Following regular consumption of frozen seafood, all participants remained asymptomatic, irrespective of initial reaction severity.
Conclusions:
- Ingestion of dead Anisakis simplex larvae is safe for allergic patients.
- These findings suggest that a strict seafood-free diet may not be required for individuals with Anisakis simplex allergy, and frozen fish is likely safe.