NY Senator: Ban fish pedicures in New York

It’s a practice popularized in parts of Asia that has made its way into salons here in New York State.

Fish pedicures, as they’re known, involve the aid of small fish to eat away dead skin from the feet. The practice was first brought to the US by a Virginia spa last year.

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But State Sen. Jeff Klein (D-Bronx) calls the practice unsanitary and inhumane and unveiled legislation Monday that would ban the practice throughout New York. Other states have enacted heavy restrictions and bans on the practice.

“Women may think it’s the latest in luxury nail treatment but it’s not,” Klein said in a statement. “Fish pedicures are dirty and dangerous and a serious risk to one’s health.”

Regular customers have described the sensation as tickling, and have come to depend on it as part of their treatment.

Dennis Arnold, a podiatrist who heads the International Pedicure Association, told the Associated Press last year he doubted the practice would become widespread, adding that he thought most people would be afraid of it.

Klein’s office said the use of fish can spread fungal and bacterial infections. Some fish used in the practice can grow teeth and bite hard enough to draw blood, according to the office.

Klein’s investigation also found the fish used have to be partially starved because they don’t eat dead skin under normal circumstance.

Klein’s bill would carry a $250 fine for the first offense and make subsequent offenses a class B misdemeanor.