Guidance on the Management of the Public Health Risks from Fish Pedicures

Synopsis

Many establishments offering ‘fish pedicures’ have opened in the UK. This guidance aims to provide easily accessible advice, based on evidence, or expert consensus where this is lacking, on the potential public health risks from fish pedicures, and the practical measures that should be taken to mitigate these. It was produced by an expert group that included representatives from the Health Protection Agency, Health Protection Scotland, the Health and Safety Laboratory and local authorities. It has been agreed by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland and Public Health Wales, and has been endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland.

The guidance includes a review of the national and international situation, an assessment of the possible public health risks and possible interventions, and recommendations for practical measures to be taken by premises offering the treatment. It is intended for public health and environmental health practitioners who may be asked to provide advice on fish pedicures in the UK.
 

Last reviewed: 26 October 2011