Dangerous Catch: What Makes Popular Fish in Ukrainian Stores Risky

Ukrainians have been warned about dangerous fish sold on supermarket shelves. According to RBC-Ukraine materials, among the wide variety of fish, tilapia is particularly noteworthy.

This fish attracts buyers with its low price, making it a popular choice for catering establishments, ready-made meals, and children's menus. Unfortunately, the pursuit of maximum profit often compromises product safety.

Main issues are related to farming conditions:

• Tilapia is mass-farmed in Asian countries, primarily in China and Vietnam, using artificial ponds with questionable water quality. In such an environment, fish accumulate hazardous compounds, including toxins and pathogenic microorganisms.
• To prevent mass mortality of fish in adverse conditions, farmers actively use antibacterial agents. As a result, residues of medications may remain in the finished product, negatively impacting consumers' immune systems and contributing to drug resistance.
• Unlike ocean fish caught in natural environments, tilapia contains an excess of omega-6 fatty acids. Regular consumption of such imbalance can lead to inflammation, cardiovascular issues, and increase cancer risks.

Alternative options for healthy eating:

• Hake has a delicate texture and contains no harmful components, making it a safe choice.
• Mackerel is rich in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, but it is important to purchase it from reputable suppliers.
• Domestic freshwater species - pikeperch, pike, crucian carp, and others, farmed in Ukrainian waters, generally surpass imported counterparts in quality and safety.

The danger of tilapia lies in its farming conditions and the presence of harmful substances, which can adversely affect consumers' health. Therefore, it is advisable to pay attention to alternative fish varieties from safer sources.