Is a vinegar eel parasite?

Vinegar eels are not parasites. They are actually free-living nematodes (roundworms) that are commonly found in vinegar, particularly unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.

Here's why they are not considered parasites:

* They don't live in or on a host: Parasites need a host to survive and thrive. Vinegar eels live independently in the vinegar itself, feeding on bacteria and yeast present there.

* They don't cause harm to humans: While they are small and may look unsettling, vinegar eels are harmless to humans. They cannot live in our bodies and cannot infect us.

However, some people may be allergic to them or find them aesthetically unappealing. If you're concerned, you can pasteurize your vinegar to kill them.