Test rates seven of ten sushi boxes as reduced quality

Seven of 10 takeaway sushi boxes tested in Upper Austria were rated as being of reduced quality, ORF’s Upper Austria outlet reported on Wednesday. The Upper Austrian Chamber of Labour examined the products microbiologically and for taste, finding only three samples free of defects.

The chamber tested sushi sets from Linz and Pasching containing nigiri, as well as combinations of nigiri, maki and California rolls. Prices ranged from 2.56 to 6.17 euros per 100 grams.

Eat Happy and Taste Kitchen performed best. Both providers received positive assessments for hygiene and taste. Another sample was microbiologically unremarkable but received criticism for its salmon, which experts said smelled and tasted fishy and old.

Six of the 10 samples exceeded guideline values for microbiologically relevant parameters, including enterobacteria, total bacterial count or yeasts. One set also exceeded a warning value for enterobacteria, which the experts described as a serious microbiological defect indicating problems with hygiene or production.

No parasites or disease-causing germs were found in any of the tested boxes.

The testers also identified sensory defects. Three sets showed minor deviations involving the smell and taste of salmon and rice. In one case, the salmon also had a slimy consistency. Four other samples had more serious shortcomings, with the salmon again described as smelling and tasting fishy and old.

The hygienic assessment was based on guideline and warning values from the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology. The chamber said fresh fish and sweet-and-sour rice were essential to the typical sushi experience.