Notifications on Anisakis spp. in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) Reported in 2001–2023

Abstract

Anisakis spp. was the most frequently reported parasite in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). Notifications relating to it accounted for 73.6% of all notifications submitted in this system between 2001 and 2023 in the hazard category “parasitic infestation”. Using a two-way joining cluster analysis, notifications reported in the RASFF during the period indicated concerning Anisakis spp. were examined by considering the year, notification type, product category, product, notifying country, country of origin, notification basis and action taken. These mainly concerned hake and mackerel from Spain and also anglerfish and mackerel from France (reported by Italy after official controls on the market) and anchovies and scabbardfish from Morocco (sent by Spain after border controls). Products from Spain and France were reported as alerts and information notifications and then were officially detained, withdrawn from the market or destroyed. Fish from Morocco were detained and destroyed. Although the number of Anisakis spp. notifications has decreased significantly in recent years, food safety authorities should continue to be active in this area. Meanwhile, consumers should be aware that the consumption of unprocessed fish should be avoided.