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19.04.2022 - Foods
BfR – Food infections caused by vibrios (Vibrio spp./Non-cholera vibrios) in seafood (marine animals, fish & fish products)
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has published its opinion No. 011/2022
Vibrio are environmentally widespread bacteria primarily found in marine waters and river estuaries (brackish water, bays/lagoon). Consequently, seafood, fish, and fish products (“seafood”) are predominantly contaminated with bacteria including Vibrio. If these foods are consumed raw or inadequately heated before consumption, the Vibrio contained in them can cause diarrhea in humans.
Particularly shellfish and oysters, which take in food by filtering seawater, can contain higher concentrations of Vibrio. Most commercial products are typically either heated or treated by other methods (e.g., marinating, smoking, drying, salting), which significantly reduce the bacterial load in the food. Consumption of live oysters can represent a health risk, especially for immunocompromised individuals or individuals with pre-existing conditions. This is particularly the case if these foods are contaminated with toxigenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus or Vibrio vulnificus.
In Germany, there has only been a reporting obligation to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) since 2020, so illnesses caused by Vibrio before this time are not statistically recorded. The risk of health impairment is currently classified as low. From the perspective of the BfR, the increase in sea water temperatures globally can lead to the enhanced spread of Vibrio and thus also to an increase in such food infections. Depending on changing climatic conditions in the coming years and improved data availability, this assessment may therefore change in the future.
The BfR advises ensuring sufficient heating during the preparation of seafood dishes. Vibrio is reliably killed when heated to at least 70 °C for two minutes inside the food. Additionally, following general hygiene rules for storing and preparing food (“kitchen hygiene”) can make an important contribution to protecting against food infections.
In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct investigations for Vibrion/Vibrio spp. (Vibrio cholerae/Vibrio parahaemolyticus/Vibrio vulnificus). We provide you with fast and reliable results.
Our customer advisors are available to answer any questions you may have.
Sources:
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
Questions and Answers about Vibrio
- Robert Koch Institute (RKI)