Tilapia trash fish - raised on feces

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the health implications and farming practices associated with tilapia, particularly focusing on its reputation as a "garbage fish" and the potential risks of consuming tilapia raised in less regulated environments. Participants explore various aspects of tilapia farming, nutritional content, and consumer awareness.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Nutritional concerns

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concerns about tilapia being raised on manure, which may introduce health risks such as salmonella and E.coli.
  • Others mention that tilapia is a popular fish due to its mild flavor and low cost, despite its nutritional drawbacks, particularly its low omega-3 content compared to other fish.
  • A few participants highlight that American and Canadian farmed tilapia may be safer than imported varieties, although there is a significant amount of tilapia imported from countries like China.
  • There are discussions about the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in tilapia, with some arguing that this ratio is unhealthy and could increase the risk of heart disease.
  • Concerns are raised about the environmental impact of tilapia farming, including its status as an invasive species and its potential to harm local ecosystems.
  • Some participants share personal anecdotes about their experiences with tilapia and express mixed feelings about its consumption.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the health implications of consuming tilapia. There are competing views regarding the safety of domestically farmed tilapia versus imported varieties, as well as differing opinions on its nutritional value and environmental impact.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying definitions of "healthy" fish, differing farming practices across regions, and the lack of comprehensive regulations governing fish farming and feed practices.

  • #31
Astronuc said:
Salmon may also be farmed in pens, and of course, this means they are exposed to their excreta.
I know -_- but salmon is so tasty
Astronuc said:
I overheard a conversation among two scientists concerning the problem of animal waste. I wonder if we should be concerned. :rolleyes:

This makes me feel that we totally should be concerned. I am actually a vegetarian right now...not sure for how long, so I may go back to eating fish one day...but there are still concerns with pesticides and other things. No matter what we eat there will always be an area of concern.
 
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  • #32
HeLiXe said:
I know -_- but salmon is so tasty
It's not an issue for salmon, they are not bottom feeders.
 
  • #33
Evo said:
It's not an issue for salmon, they are not bottom feeders.

But antibiotics are a big issue with farmed salmon. They are used to stop skin parasites etc spreading quickly, in the high population density in the fish cages.
 
  • #34
AlephZero said:
But antibiotics are a big issue with farmed salmon. They are used to stop skin parasites etc spreading quickly, in the high population density in the fish cages.
I was only referring to them eating poo. I only eat wild salmon.
 
  • #35
AlephZero said:
But antibiotics are a big issue with farmed salmon. They are used to stop skin parasites etc spreading quickly, in the high population density in the fish cages.

poor salmon. :(
 
  • #36
there is something you should know, it is not only Tilapia fish that is fed these kind of dirt. the imported shrimp too and if you read how is the Atlantic salmon is raised and prepared to be sent to consumes you would stop eating fish altogether. Do not forget that pigs eat garbage still no one died because of that. Unless you manage to produce your food by yourself, unfortunately there is no guarantee.
 
  • #37
I ate tilapia all the time when working in Africa.
People now are getting so fussy with cleanliness in their food - to the extreme - that their immune system and bacterial flora is rubbish and we have countless people with "intolerances" and fat kids with asthama because they don't play in the dirt anymore. We need to remember that humans are scavengers as well as predators. A bit of dirt is very good for you.

Doctors are now having to transplant feaces into people.
 
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  • #38
I am set to eat them all if they are cooked well.
Eating them ain't worse than being food poisoned. I once drank a bottle of sour milk that I didn't know it expired and hours later I vomited all over the room; my nostrils got burned by the stomach acid and at the same time I had to rush to the toilet for unpredictable diarrhea.
 
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  • #39
There is a commercial fish food out now that floats. That should help clean up the issue. In the wild I have seen a number of species of fish eat wherever the food was. The idea behind the floating fish food was meat to give commercial growers a better idea of just how much the fish are eating.
 

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