---
title: "Hidden danger on the counter: State Food and Drug Safety Service warns of risks when buying fish"
description: "The State Food and Drug Safety Service has warned Ukrainians about the risks of buying fish: violating the temperature regime or the lack of freezing for sushi can lead to poisoning. Experts urge consumers to buy the product only in verified places and check the labeling. 🐟❄️🚫"
date: 2026-06-24T17:02:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/hidden-danger-on-the-counter-state-food-and-drug-safety-service-warns-of-risks-when-buying-fish
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Hidden danger on the counter: State Food and Drug Safety Service warns of risks when buying fish

![Fish and caviar display in a store: photo shows salmon fillets, canned caviar, and price tags, illustrating the State Consumer Protection Service’s warning about risks when buying fish](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/24/gosprodpotrebsluzhba-predupredila-o-riskah-pri-pokupke-ryby/gosprodpotrebsluzhba-predupredila-o-riskah-pri-pokupke-ryby-1.webp)

Fish is an indispensable element of a healthy diet, a source of protein and beneficial fats. However, this product requires special attention. An error in storage or transportation can turn a healthy dinner into a serious health hazard. Strict safety regulations are in force in Ukraine, but compliance with the "cold chain" often depends on the conscientiousness of sellers and the vigilance of buyers.

### Temperature regime: the fine line between taste and poisoning

According to the State Food and Drug Safety Service, the safety of fish products is controlled at all stages—from the moment of capture to reaching the table. The key factor here is temperature. Fresh fish must be stored in conditions as close as possible to the melting point of ice. For frozen products, the threshold is stricter: the temperature must not rise above -18 degrees Celsius.

Experts emphasize: even a brief violation of these norms triggers processes dangerous to humans. Microorganisms begin to multiply, making the product unfit for consumption. This is why it is critical that fish remains in a continuous "cold chain." Immediately after being caught, the product must be cooled and transported either under a layer of ice or under strictly controlled temperature conditions.

### The danger of sushi and sashimi: rules for raw fish

Dishes made from raw fish—popular sushi, sashimi, and other delicacies—deserve special attention. Ukrainian legislation prescribes special treatment for such products. The main goal is to destroy possible parasites. Before fish reaches the table in raw form, it must undergo a mandatory freezing procedure. Skipping this stage poses direct health risks to the consumer.

### Where to buy and what to look for

The department strongly recommends buying fish only in verified places: retail chains, specialized stores, or agricultural food markets. It is here that regular veterinary and sanitary control is carried out. Buying at unregulated markets is a lottery where the buyer cannot be sure of either the product's origin or its storage conditions.

Legally, the sale of fish with visible parasites, the presence of dangerous toxins, or products that do not meet safety standards is prohibited. Before purchasing, experts advise conducting a visual inspection:

    - Assess the appearance of the fish.

    - Check the storage conditions on the counter (presence of ice, functioning refrigeration equipment).

    - Pay attention to the integrity of the packaging.

    - Study the information on the label.

Kitchen safety begins with the right choice in the store. Ignoring these simple rules can cost you your health.