Fish and Worms – The Bottom Line
By Rabbi Yair Hoffman
on Monday, April 19, 2010
Under a light at the Machon, we proceeded to pull out numerous Anasaki worms from different types of fish.
After seeing these worms first hand and where they are located, both in the fresh fish and on tapes and pictures from the boats – it is vividly clear that the worms start in the stomach of the fish.
This author personally pulled out one of those worms. Indeed, while writing this article a test tube filled with spiraled up Anisakis worms pulled out during my visit there lies in my front pocket.
This being the case, that the origins of this parasite and the manner in which it enters the fish is now known – the position of those that permit the consumption of fish that are infested with these worms seems to be quite tenuous.
There is another issue too. Even if the worms would be considered to be kosher, the halacha states that if someone is personally disgusted by the consumption of these worms then it is forbidden to eat them as well.
However, if one actually saw the worm proceed from the gizzards into the flesh then, clearly, the Shulchan Aruch would not have permitted such a case.
Are the fish impossible to eat for those who wish to avoid eating worms? Can they be cleaned? Yes. The seasoned inspector can look at a completely skinned fish in 65 seconds if using a light box. Red fish, however, would require an ultra-violet light and need about 90 seconds to inspect properly.
1] As of this writing, the major Kashrus agencies in America are not yet committed to ensure that our fish are free from the Anisakis worm.
2]
3] Some fish producing countries and fish simply do not have the Anasakis worm. This is either because the waters do not have it or because the fish is frozen so quickly after the gizzards have been removed that the worm has no chance of migrating.
Herring – Must scrape and clean the fillet sides and thoroughly cleanse.
Chinese, American, Canadian, and Japanese Salmon fillets may not be used without light box. Farmed salmon in the USA is okay.
There are other types of less common fish as well. Please inquire about them. This author may be reached by email at [email protected]