This petition is to force the EU government to reverse regulation (EC) 853/2004, annex III, Section VIII, Chapter III, D, 1. all unprocessed fishery produtcs, intended to be eaten raw or almost raw (e.g. sashimi or sushi) require to have been frozen to -20C. We believe this regulation to be unjust and unnecessary. If you freeze fish especially fatty fish such as salmon, sea bream etc, it destroys the quality and makes sushi and sashimi pointless. We respect the fact that there are certain risks in the consumption of raw fish, however, the risk is nominal in comparison to the health benefits that fresh raw fish can provide. When sushi and sashimi is prepared by a responsible, well trained chef it presents very little risk of parasitical contamination. Its ultimately up to the individual to decide, after being informed of the potential hazard, whether they wish to consume raw fish or not. We believe that there are alternative methods the EU can take in protecting the public such as stricter regulation or licensing for sushi bars and Japanese restaurants. If the law stands it will cause terrible damage to businesses across Europe not just for Japanese restaurants but for suppliers of quality fish. Why ruin a flourishing industry that promotes healthy eating and the best quality produce that European waters can offer

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