Food Poisoning From Fish;

Fortunately,where I live in the Midwest,this is not a huge issue.At least not that I'm aware of,but it has happened a time or two so, there are a few things worth mentioning,depending on which end of the spectrum you're on.

First,as a consumer,if you are buying fish from a local market or food store,check the packaging for any holes or cuts in the plastic covering.If there are any at all,don't buy it! Also let the meat market manager know of it so it can be removed from the shelf,so no one else will purchase it.Second,ALWAYS check the date of expiration for the product.It should be clearly visible on the outside of the package.And last but not least,if you have all ready made the purchase,and gotten home and intend to cook the item,make sure you smell the fish BEFORE it's cooked.If it smells funny,or gamy,or you think there's something a little strange about the color or texture,DON"T eat it!It's better to be safe than sorry and wind up in the hospital,with food poisoning.

There are other ways to tell,but this ought to give the average consumer a place to start.Just use your common sense.If it tells you something isn't quite right about the fish,it's best to go with your gut instinct.It's never failed me yet!

Now,from the fisherman,or woman's point of view,be careful where you fish.With just a little bit of research,you can find out from your local Wildlife and Fisheries,what local bodies of water are safe to catch and eat the fish you catch.

Here in the Midwest,there is a great deal of what we call,creek fishing,as there is in many other states in our country.Again,check with your local Wildlife and Fisheries if you have any concerns about the fish in these small creeks or rivers.They will also have many different pamphlets,maps and guides,full of any and all the information you may require,to make your next fishing trip a good one.

Now,there's just one more thing I ought to mention.When creek or river fishing,keep in mind how the area around where you decide to fish is being used.If it's being used for livestock,make sure that the local cattle or horses,or whatever animals are being kept there,don't have access to walk into the water itself.Because if they do,then they're waste products may be deposited into the water,thereby causing it to be contaminated!

Also,if the surrounding area is being used for agriculture,it's very possible that the chemicals that are being used ,such as fertilizer,and pesticides,can get into the water,thereby causing a health risk.Again,just use your common sense and I'm sure your next fishing trip will be a good one!

So,Get out and go fishing! It's one of America's most abundant and pleasurable pastimes!

Learn more about this author, Jonathan Clayton.
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