Asked by: Gayla Snowden
Asked in category: pets, fish and aquariums
Last Updated: 9th May 2024

Is it safe to eat catfish from Vietnam?

No matter what their name may be, Vietnamese Swai or Basa are exempt from the same inspections as imported catfish. There are a few safety and health concerns that Vietnamese catfish pose, such as the use of antiquarian equipment and polluted water.



Is it safe to eat basa from Vietnam?

Research has shown that basa fish have low levels of heavy metal residues ( 19, 20, 20). It has been suggested that basafish may be a more dangerous food due to the way it is raised and the environment it lives in. Contamination is a possibility in the ponds where catfish such as basa are raised.

Catfish is also good for your health. There are many health benefits to Catfish. Catfish is low in calories and fat. Catfish can be included in your healthy diet. It is rich in healthy fats such as omega 3 & 6. Because of its low mercury content, the Environmental Protection Agency listed catfish as one of the most popular fish.

What is the Vietnamese name for catfish?

Basa (Pangasius bocourti), is a type of catfish belonging to the Pangasiidae family. Basa are found in the Mekong, Chao Phraya and other areas of Mainland Southeast Asia.

Are fish from the Mekong River considered safe?

According to media reports, pangasius hypophthalmus (Pangasius hypophthalmus), is considered 'highly toxic' as it can survive in the heavily polluted Mekong River. They also claim that the fish is high in pesticides and chemicals used for veterinary treatment.