Health Tip: Safer Sushi Eating

(HealthDay News) -- Sushi is becoming more and more popular, but there can be health risks associated with eating some kinds of sushi, especially those that contain raw fish.

The Colorado State University Extension offers these suggestions for when you plan to eat sushi:

• When making sushi from scratch, look for fish at the grocery store labeled "sushi-grade" or "sashimi-grade."
• Keep the fish refrigerated at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below until it''s time to eat.
• Prepare rice for sushi rolls with vinegar to slow bacterial growth.
• Separate raw and cooked fish during preparation -- and ideally -- use different utensils, cutting boards and surfaces to prepare each.
• People with a weakened immune system (pregnant women, children, people with chronic conditions) should not eat sushi.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Nov. 10, 2008

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