From fish to fork: An analysis of the fishmeal feed chain & presence of Anisakid material

Anisakid nematodes are zoonotic parasites with a global prevalence in marine fish. Live larvae cause gastrointestinal disease in humans after ingestion of raw or undercooked fish. Alternatively, allergic reactions can occur through exposure to allergens. Emerging evidence shows these allergens may transfer from fishmeal to farmed animals and humans, posing potential public health risks. Fishmeal, a protein-rich feed derived from small pelagic fish and processing by-products, is widely used in aquaculture, poultry, and pig production. Fishmeal can introduce safety risks as it may contain thermoresistant Anisakid allergens which survive processing. This review aims to clarify the fishmeal feed chain from fish to fork, as well as the potential exposure pathways for Anisakid allergens. The traceability of fishmeal is examined, as well as its composition, production processing, trade and use per sector. Anisakid prevalence of fish used for fishmeal is also analyzed. Detailed traceability of fishmeal composition is limited. It is likely that Anisakid allergens are present in fishmeal due to inclusion of infected fish. Due to transmissibility from feed to food, this can have an impact on public health. A continuing decrease of fishmeal in poultry and pig diets will likely decrease risk for these food products. For aquaculture, this will be harder to predict. Marine ingredients will increasingly be derived from by-products potentially carrying a higher Anisakid load. At the same time a reduction in fishmeal inclusion in the feed can be expected. Further research should be undertaken in food products to determine the presence of Anisakid allergens.