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Climate change can increase dangerous bacteria in seafood causing serious health issues
Climate change creates conditions that aren’t favorable for farming or preserving the grown food. Scientists have found that a popular food is vulnerable to bacteria which causes severe health issues.
The European Food Safety Authority’s latest report assesses the impact of global warming on the bacteria, Vibrio, notorious for its resistance to last-resort antibiotics.
Climate change makes seafood risky to eat
The dangerous bacteria is expected to increase in seafood across the world – global warming contributes to the prevalence of Vibrio in low-salinity or brackish waters.
The bacteria is usually found in seafood and thrive in “temperate and warm waters with moderate salinity.” They are said to cause several health problems, including gastroenteritis or severe infections�when consumed raw.
Coming in contact with the bacteria in the water could also cause wounds and ear infections. The EFSA report states that variants of bacteria can cause different issues and even “death in vulnerable individuals.”
The findings of a study to understand the occurrence and concentration of the bacteria in seafood are further concerning as one of five samples turned out positive for containing pathogenic strain.
These strains showed high resistance to several antimicrobials including those of last resort, according to the report.
Safe way to store and consume
Vibrio thrives in warm temperatures, which is the reason their concentration is expected to increase with global warming.
So, the best way to prevent and control the bacteria in seafood is by “maintaining the cold chain during processing, transportation, and storage is crucial, particularly for seafood intended to be consumed raw.”
When it comes to live oyster consumption, depuration is a recommended storage technique. Live mollusks are placed in clean and circulating waters to filter out microbes under controlled conditions.
In addition to long-term frozen storage, consumers are advised to avoid eating raw or undercooked products. This applies to several other commonly consumed meats, which can cause brain parasites when not handled and cooked properly.
