Is It Safe To Eat Fish During Monsoon? Expert Weighs In

The monsoon season often sparks a debate about the safety of various foods. Seafood is one of them. It is believed that consuming seafood during this time increases the risk of bacterial growth and water contamination. To help you make safe dietary choices, a nutritionist breaks down the hidden health risks linked to rainy-season fish and shares safety tips while buying and cooking it. 

To understand this better, we reached out to Ms Edwina Raj, Head of Services, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.

Is It Safe to Eat Fish in The Rainy Months? 

Ms Raj says that it is generally safe to eat fish during the monsoon season if it is fresh, properly handled, and cooked thoroughly. She adds that fish remains a nutritious source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, even during the monsoon season. According to the National Health Service (NHS), oily fish contains long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. This can aid in prevention of heart disease. It is also crucial for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can help develop a baby's nervous system. 

The expert adds, “However, extra caution is needed because the rainy season can increase the risk of contamination, spoilage, and bacterial growth due to high humidity and fluctuations in storage conditions. In some regions, fishing activity may also reduce during the monsoon because it is the breeding season for many fish species, which can affect the availability and quality of seafood in the market.”

Risks of Eating Spoiled Fish

Ms Raj says that eating spoiled or improperly cooked fish can lead to: 

• Food poisoning
• Stomach infections
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Other digestive problems

Who is more at risk? Answering this, the expert says, “People with weakened immune systems, older adults, pregnant women, and young children should be especially careful when consuming seafood during this time. Choosing fish from trusted vendors and ensuring proper storage are important steps to reduce health risks.”

Safety Tips For Consuming Fish in Monsoon

To stay safe while indulging in seafood during monsoon, Ms Raj suggests following these practices: 

• Buy fish only from reliable sellers who maintain good hygiene and proper refrigeration. Fresh fish should have a mild smell, clear eyes, firm flesh, and bright gills.
• Avoid fish that has a strong foul odour, slimy texture, or discoloured appearance.
• Once purchased, keep fish refrigerated and cook it as soon as possible.
• Wash hands, utensils, and cutting boards thoroughly after handling raw fish to prevent cross-contamination.
• It is also important to cook fish completely, as proper cooking helps kill harmful bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms.
• Avoid consuming raw or undercooked seafood during the monsoon, including dishes that contain uncooked fish.

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Conclusion

The key is to focus on freshness, hygiene, proper storage, and thorough cooking. By purchasing seafood from trusted sources, storing it correctly, and following safe food-handling practices, most people can continue enjoying fish safely during the rainy season. If there is any doubt about the freshness or quality of the fish, it is best not to consume it, as preventing foodborne illness is always safer than taking a risk.