4 min learnNew DelhiUp to date: Sep 2, 2026 02:50 PM IST
After the Nepal flash floods, Bihar’s Animal and Fisheries Sources Division has suggested individuals to not purchase, promote, or eat fish caught in floodwaters. “Fish contaminated, suggested to keep away from consuming,” a publish on its X deal with learn.
What occurs once you eat such fish? Consultants elucidate.
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on data from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
Throughout a flood, the standard boundaries between rivers, ponds, drains and sewage channels disappear. “Fish can get swept into water contaminated with sewage, animal waste, lifeless animals and different pollution. This implies the fish might carry microorganisms not usually current of their typical habitat. The priority isn’t about fish as a meals itself, however in regards to the setting they’ve been uncovered to. Till the water our bodies return to regular and the fish are thought of protected by the involved authorities, it’s higher to keep away from them,” cautioned Dr Saiprasad Girish Lad, marketing consultant gastroenterologist, Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central.
1000’s of corpse-eating fish of the Trishuli River, recognized there by the title Goonch Catfish have reached Bihar with the flood waters . These are giant, lazy fish that resides within the river close to the cremation ghats constructed alongside the riverbank and feeds on half-burnt corpses, which… pic.twitter.com/AQGne4dxuo
— Amitabh Chaudhary (@MithilaWaaala) August 31, 2026
Dr Shankar Zanwar, senior marketing consultant gastroenterologist at Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, concurred and stated that fish caught from contaminated water might not at all times look, odor, or style completely different, making it tough for shoppers to inform whether or not they’re protected.
What can occur if somebody eats such fish?
The quick concern is food-borne sickness. “Relying on what the fish has been uncovered to, an individual may develop vomiting, unfastened motions, belly cramps, nausea or fever. In some instances, contaminated meals could cause important dehydration, significantly in kids, older adults and folks with different well being issues. Sure bacterial and viral infections may grow to be extra severe if therapy is delayed,” stated Dr Lad.
The Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Sources Division has issued an advisory concerning fish arriving in Bihar from Nepal.
It has been warned that consuming fish that seem unusual or uncommon may result in sickness pic.twitter.com/SY0Ohzw2kC
— Bihar_se_hai (@Bihar_se_hai) September 1, 2026
In some instances, contaminated meals can result in severe food-borne infections, significantly in younger kids, older adults and folks with weakened immunity. “Floodwater may include chemical pollution, which can accumulate in fish,” stated Dr Zanwar.
Does thorough cooking make floodwater fish protected?
In keeping with Dr Lad, cooking reduces the danger of many micro organism and parasites, nevertheless it shouldn’t be thought of a assure of security when the fish’s supply is unsure. “There will also be contamination throughout dealing with, cleansing and preparation. So, if the fish has been caught immediately from floodwaters or is unfamiliar in look, the most secure strategy is just to not eat it,” stated Dr Lad.
Cooking can kill many germs, nevertheless it doesn’t essentially take away all chemical contaminants or toxins, affirmed Dr Zanwar. “Due to this fact, washing or completely cooking a fish caught from contaminated floodwater doesn’t assure that it’s suitable for eating,” added Dr Zanwar.
मछलियां हुईं दूषित, खाने से बचने की दी गई सलाह#जनहित_में_आवश्यक_सूचना #सावधान_रहें #नेपाल_बाढ़ #बाढ़_से_आई_मछलियां #अज्ञात_मछली #मत्स्य_पालक #बिहार_सरकार#PublicAdvisory #NepalFlood #FloodAlert #FishSafety #DoNotEat #DoNotSell #BiharGovernment pic.twitter.com/DP7lqNVAnD
— Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Sources Dept., Bihar (@BiharAFRD) September 1, 2026
What ought to somebody do if they’ve already eaten such fish?
There is no such thing as a have to panic if the individual feels fully effectively, however they need to monitor themselves for signs resembling repeated vomiting, diarrhoea, belly ache, fever, dizziness or respiration issue. “Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea can result in dehydration and requires medical consideration. Anybody creating important or uncommon signs after consuming such fish ought to seek the advice of a physician promptly fairly than self-medicating,” stated Dr Lad.
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on data from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
