Siomay is one of the favorite snacks of the Indonesian people because it tastes savory, has a chewy texture, and is easy to find. However, recently concerns have arisen regarding sellers who are suspected of using pleco fish as raw materials to reduce production costs.1

This fish often lives in polluted waters so it has the potential to carry heavy metals, toxins, and parasites that are harmful to health. Therefore, people need to be more selective in choosing processed foods so that they are safe to consume.

Getting to Know the Pleco Fish

Pleco fish (Hypostomus plecostomus) is a freshwater fish known to eat algae and fecal residue. This fish is often used as an aquarium cleaner. Its features include:

- Flat body with hard surface

- Dark or speckled color

- Living at the bottom of the water

This fish is highly adaptive and is able to survive in various environments, including rivers, lakes, and polluted canals.

Can pleco fish be consumed?

Basically, pleco fish can be consumed if it comes from clean waters or controlled cultivation, and is processed hygienically. Nutritionally, this fish contains:

- Protein to build body tissues

- Omega-3 fatty acids that are good for the heart and brain

- Vitamin D, selenium, calcium, and phosphorus for bone health and immunity

- Essential amino acids that support stamina.

But avoid it if it's from a suspicious source—the risks outweigh the benefits.

Health Risks of Pleco Fish from Polluted Waters

As fish that live at the bottom of the water, pleco fish easily absorb harmful substances such as heavy metals (mercury, lead, and cadmium) as well as pollutants from industrial and household waste.

The health impacts of heavy metals include:

- Mercury: damages the nervous system, kidneys, and liver

- Lead: interferes with brain development in children and damages kidneys and nerves

- Cadmium: damages kidneys and bones and increases the risk of cancer

Long-term consumption can lead to poisoning, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition, exposure to heavy metals can also trigger organ disorders, infertility, and even cancer.

Please note that the cooking process cannot remove heavy metals that have accumulated in the fish's body.

Characteristics of Siomay to Watch Out for

Some signs of siomay that should be suspected of using low-quality or unsafe fish ingredients include:

- Dull color, not bright grayish or pure white

- Pungent fishy aroma, not fresh savory smell

- Texture too hard or clayy, not soft chewy

- The price is too cheap, far below the market price

It is important for consumers to be more careful in choosing food to avoid health risks.

Tips for Safely Consuming Pleco Fish

If you want to consume pleco fish or processed products, pay attention to the following:

- Choose fish from clear and reliable sources

- Avoid fish that come from polluted waters

- Make sure the processing is done hygienically

- Beware of processed products at unreasonable prices

In addition, while proper processing can improve the texture and flavor of pleco fish, the cooking process cannot remove harmful substances such as heavy metals.

Pleco fish are not always dangerous and can still be consumed if they come from a clean and well-managed environment. However, because these fish often live in polluted waters, the risk is quite high if used unattended.

Therefore, people need to be more vigilant, meticulous, and wise in choosing processed foods, including siomay, in order to maintain the health of themselves and their families.

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