People in the at-risk groups should not eat raw or undercooked fish or shellfish. People with liver disorders or weakened immune systems are especially at risk for getting sick. Foods made with raw fish are more likely to contain parasites or Vibrio species than foods made from cooked fish. Always cook finfish until its muscle is opaque and flaky.

Shellfish are especially "friendly" to viruses because shellfish pump water through their bodies and thus, concentrate food and contaminants, such as viruses, from the water. Once the virus is on or in the shellfish - a live host - it may persist for a longer time than if it were suspended in the water. Some shellfish are eaten raw or lightly cooked, which increases the risk of foodborne

The fish's eyes should be clear and bulge a little. Only a few fish, such as walleye, have naturally cloudy eyes. Whole fish and fillets should have firm and shiny flesh. Dull flesh may mean the fish is old.Fresh whole fish also should have bright red gills free from slime. If the flesh doesn't spring back when pressed, the fish isn't fresh. There should be no darkening around the edges of the

Anyone who's ever smelled rotting seafood at the fish counter has a pretty good idea of what a poorly run seafood market smells like. But the absence of any strong odor doesn't necessarily mean that the seller is practicing safe food handling techniques. Based on FDA's Food Code, here are some other points to consider: Employees should be in clean clothing but no outerwear and wearing hair

To get the best value for your money when buying seafood, it's important to know what you're buying. Be wary of unusual bargains--some seafood is seasonal. If there is a considerable difference between the price of a fresh product and what you are accustomed to paying, it could be that it is from the last season's frozen inventory. Buy from a reputable dealer. And if the fish you choose looks or

Buy only from reputable sources. Be wary, for example, of vendors selling fish out of the back of their pick-up trucks. Buy only fresh seafood that is refrigerated or properly iced. Don't buy cooked seafood, such as shrimp, crabs or smoked fish, if displayed in the same case as raw fish. Cross-contamination can occur. Don't buy frozen seafood if the packages are open, torn or crushed on the edges

Researchers have uncovered exciting evidence that oily fish in your diet could help skin cancer prevention. The research carried out at Hope Hospital, Manchester has shown that the Omega 3 oils in fish which help poor concentration in children and protect against heart disease and dementia, protect the skin against the DNA damage that can cause skin cancer. Sun burn is a major factor in the

A study in Norway has found a link between depression and oily fish. They have come to the conclusion that depression can be relieved or avoided by consuming Omega 3s found in oily fish. 22,000 people over the age of 40 were studied. The 9 per cent of them, who had a spoonful of cod liver oil a day, were 30 per cent less likely to become depressed. Omega 3s have long been known to boost

Coronary heart disease is a major killer in the world - and it's generally linked to diet and lifestyle - the good news in this of course, is that you can change your diet and lifestyle if you want to. It's often reported that a 'Mediterranean' style diet will lessen your chances of developing coronary heart disease, but what exactly is a Mediterranean style diet? Fish, oils, vegetables - a

How Fish Can Prevent Bowel Cancer Researchers at St George’s Hospital in London have discovered that the Omega 3s found in oily fish could help prevent cancer of the bowel. The participants had all suffered from polyps in the bowel, which can turn cancerous if not removed, so these people were prone to developing cancer. Our bodies are continuously renewing cells – they grow and die. In a normal