The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned people about the dangers of the ill-conceived “fish pedicure” beauty treatment that is popping up in popular tourist destinations such as Cancun, Mexico.
Fish pedicures are already banned in 10 states in the U.S. due to health risks to humans and cruelty to the fish. Studies have linked the species of fish most commonly used in these procedures, Garra rufa, to a host of bacteria that can cause infections to anyone with open sores or skin cuts, an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, or an immune system compromised by AIDS, cancer, or advanced age.
When fish are present in pedicure tubs, the tubs can’t be sufficiently sanitized between customers, and the fish themselves cannot be disinfected. The water is also a fertile breeding ground for bacteria, as noted in a report by the U.K.'s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, which investigated the types of bacteria associated with Garra rufa. The report also stated that when exposed to bacteria thriving on fish scales or waste, even the tiniest cut can quickly become infected.
Additionally, the fish must be starved in order to make them eat dead skin for sustenance. PETA urges everyone, for their own health and to prevent cruelty to animals, to opt for beauty treatments performed by willing human technicians.
Alicia Woempner
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
2154 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
323-312-9038
Fish Pedicures
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