Concerns Over Mysterious Particles on Cooked Squid Rings: Health Risks?

The cooked squid rings are covered with unidentified granular substances?

Recently, I dined at a Vietnamese restaurant and noticed that the squid rings in the rice noodles had a dense layer of greenish-yellow granular substances.
When I inquired with the staff, they claimed it was just burnt, but it was clear they were unsure.
I searched online for more information but still couldn't confirm what it was.
I'm worried it could be parasites or eggs, or even something toxic, and whether it could be harmful to humans.
Doctor, since I only noticed this after I had already eaten the bowl of rice noodles, I'm concerned that the entire dish might have been contaminated.
I'm unsure if this could have any adverse effects on my health.

Qiu Zhi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/01

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine

Hello! I understand your concerns, but to be honest, based on your description, I cannot confirm what exactly it is, making it difficult to assess its potential impact on the human body.
Generally, parasites or their eggs are very sensitive to high temperatures; a slight exposure to heat usually renders them unable to survive.
Therefore, I believe that parasites are probably the least concerning possibility among all the potential issues.
There are certainly many other possibilities, but even if it is something harmful, in the vast majority of cases, it typically leads to diarrhea or is quickly expelled through feces.
Thus, the risk to the human body from a single ingestion is minimal, and there is really no need to be overly anxious.

Reply Date: 2023/05/01

More Info

When dining out, it's not uncommon to encounter unexpected elements in your food, which can understandably raise concerns about health risks. In your case, you noticed small greenish-yellow particles on cooked squid rings in a bowl of pho, and you're worried about potential health implications, including the possibility of parasites or toxins.

First and foremost, it's important to recognize that many factors can contribute to the appearance of unusual particles in food. In seafood, particularly squid, discoloration can occur due to various reasons, including cooking methods, the freshness of the seafood, or even the presence of certain types of algae that the squid may have consumed. While the restaurant staff suggested that the particles were simply burnt, it's crucial to approach such claims with caution, especially when the appearance is unusual and not typical for the dish.

Regarding your concerns about health risks, let's break down the potential issues:
1. Parasites: Raw or undercooked seafood can harbor parasites, such as Anisakis, which can cause gastrointestinal issues in humans. However, cooking seafood to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) typically kills these parasites. If the squid was cooked properly, the risk of parasitic infection is significantly reduced. However, if the particles you observed were indeed remnants of parasites or their eggs, it would be a cause for concern.
2. Toxins: Certain types of seafood can accumulate toxins, particularly if they come from polluted waters. For example, some species of squid can accumulate harmful substances like heavy metals or toxins from harmful algal blooms. If the squid was sourced from contaminated waters, there could be a risk of toxin ingestion. However, this is more of a concern with certain types of fish and shellfish rather than squid specifically.

3. Food Safety: If you consumed the dish before noticing the particles, it's natural to feel anxious about potential health effects. Generally, if the food was cooked properly and sourced from a reputable supplier, the risk of serious health issues is low. However, if you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional.

4. Preventive Measures: In the future, if you encounter something suspicious in your food, it's advisable to stop eating it and notify the restaurant staff. They should be willing to address your concerns and may offer a replacement or refund. Additionally, if you have ongoing concerns about food safety or specific symptoms, consider keeping a food diary to track what you eat and any reactions you experience.

In conclusion, while your concerns are valid, the likelihood of serious health risks from the particles you observed depends on several factors, including the cooking process and the source of the squid. If you feel unwell after consuming the dish, seek medical attention promptly. Otherwise, maintaining awareness of food safety practices and being cautious when dining out can help mitigate risks in the future.

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