The food we consume plays a significant, if nor crucial, role in maintaining good health. Having said that, moderation is the key. Consuming too much of certain food can affect our overall well-being.
Speaking of foods that can have a negative impact on our body, there is a certain Thai dish that is so dangerous to consume it is believed to take the lives of 20,000 people each year.
The ingredients themselves don’t impose any danger, except for one key component.
This dish, known as Koi Pla, is made of raw fish, lemon juice, herbs, and spices, but it is considered a salad by the people living in modern-day Laos and Isan. Sometimes, galangal, shallots, and mint are used for added flavor.
The fish used to prepare this dish is caught from a body of water in the Mekong region which contains parasitic flatworms.
Sadly, people consume this dish, they are likely to end up with the parasites in their body. These parasites attack the liver and cause liver cancer.
This type of cancer is mostly present in people of East Asia.
Doctor Narong Khuntikeo is trying to raise awareness of the dangers of Koi Pla. His own parents died of liver cancer after consuming this dish.
Unfortunately, the Lao people won’t listen. They simply won’t give up their tradition of preparing and consuming this dish that can lead them to death.
“It’s a very big health burden around here,” Dr. Khuntikeo told Agence France-Presse. “But nobody knows about this because they die quietly, like leaves falling from a tree.”
The results showed that around 80 percent of the people from different communities have had the parasite.
When sharing the findings with the residents, most of them won’t care.
“Oh well, there are many ways to die,” one of them said. “I’ve never been checked before, so I think I will probably have it because I’ve been eating (koi pla) since I was little,” another added.
The food choices we make greatly influence our health, but for some cultures, tradition often takes precedence over caution. One such tradition is the preparation and consumption of Koi Pla, a raw fish dish deeply rooted in the culinary customs of Laos and the Isan region of Thailand. While its flavor may delight many, this dish harbors a silent and deadly threat that takes thousands of lives annually.
What Makes Koi Pla Dangerous?
The dish is simple yet perilous, consisting of raw fish mixed with lemon juice, herbs, and spices. While the ingredients seem harmless, the danger lies in the fish itself. Often sourced from the Mekong region, the fish carries parasitic flatworms, Opisthorchis viverrini, which can infect humans upon consumption.
Once inside the body, these parasites settle in the liver and bile ducts, causing inflammation and scarring. Over time, the damage escalates, significantly increasing the risk of liver cancer, specifically cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).
The Human Cost
Liver cancer caused by these parasites is alarmingly common in the region. An estimated 20,000 people die each year due to complications associated with Koi Pla.
Dr. Narong Khuntikeo, a liver surgeon and advocate for public health, has made it his mission to educate people about the dangers of this dish. Tragically, his efforts are personal—both of his parents succumbed to liver cancer caused by consuming Koi Pla.
Resistance to Change
Despite the grave risks, many locals remain undeterred. For them, Koi Pla is not just food—it’s a part of their cultural identity. Attempts to warn communities about the dangers are often met with indifference.
“Oh well, there are many ways to die,” one resident commented when confronted with the risks. This resigned attitude poses a significant challenge to health professionals trying to save lives.
Raising Awareness
In 2017, Dr. Khuntikeo and his team conducted studies in affected regions, performing ultrasound scans and urine tests. They found that up to 80% of the population had been infected by the parasite at some point.
Although these findings are alarming, changing deep-seated traditions requires patience and persistent education. Dr. Khuntikeo continues to campaign for awareness, hoping to reduce the prevalence of liver cancer in the region.
A Call to Action
While food is a cornerstone of culture, health and safety should always come first. Sharing knowledge about the dangers of Koi Pla could save lives.
If you found this information valuable, please SHARE this article with your friends and family to raise awareness about the deadly risks hidden in this traditional dish. Together, we can encourage healthier choices and protect lives.