Surimi

Surimi is a processed seafood product made from white fish, such as pollock or cod. The fish is deboned, ground into a paste, washed to remove fat and undesirable flavors, and then mixed with ingredients like sugar, salt, and starches to improve texture and preservation. This paste is then shaped and often flavored to mimic crab, shrimp, or other shellfish.

Manufacturers use surimi as a cost-effective and versatile ingredient to create imitation seafood products. Its mild flavor and firm texture make it ideal for forming into various shapes and mimicking the taste and mouthfeel of more expensive shellfish. It is commonly found in imitation crab sticks, seafood salads, sushi rolls, and fish cakes.

Surimi is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a source of protein and can contain added sugars and sodium depending on the specific product and preparation. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated surimi and its components, but no specific health concerns are typically associated with its consumption at normal dietary levels. Some surimi products may contain additives like sorbitol or phosphates, which are also subject to regulatory oversight.