A survival sampling study has shown some non-compliance, but a general low risk to public health.
In England and Wales, 152 samples of wild caught fish, shellfish and cephalopodes were purchased from fish markets and analyzed for mercury, lead, cadmium, totally arsenic and per and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS). 76 samples were also tested for inorganic arsenic and 51 for dioxins. Examples of tested Cephalopoden were squid, Octopus and squid.
Fera was contracted by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to assess the performance of levels of various contaminants between May 2022 and January 2023.
Species Sampled Included Sardines, Cuttlefish, Monks and Anglers, Crab, Hake, Sole, Plaice, Skates and Rays, Gurnard, Dogfish, Lemon Sole, Sprats, Mackerel, Bass, Herring, COD, Haddock, Lobsters and Squid.
Heavy metals cross the borders
Cadmium was detected above the maximum level of 0.1 mg/kg in one mackerel sample at a concentration of 0.16 mg/kg. Mercury was above the maximum level of 0.5 mg/kg in four sea bass samples at 0.74, 0.69, 0.66 and 0.87 mg/kg.
Concentrations of dioxins and polychloor bifenylen (PCBs) were among the British and EU limites. Of the regulated PFAS analytes, some were detected in cod and crab above the EU limits. However, there are currently no restrictions for these substances in fish in British legislation.
There are no maximum levels for inorganic arsenic for fish and shellfish in the UK. Concentrations of inorganic arsenic in wild -caught fish samples were under the proposed European levels.
Findings are part of the FSA’s evidence for risk management of emerging and predetermined contaminants in game caught fish, shellfish and Cefalopod products.
Data can support certifying officials who look at compliance with the wild fishing products in England and Wales with legislation on contaminants when signing export certificates for the European Union.
In Noord -Ireland, 62 samples of wild -caught fish and shellfish were collected between April 2022 and March 2023 from two fish markets in North Ireland and processing companies. They were analyzed for mercury, lead and cadmium. Fifteen samples were tested on dioxins and PCBs.
Eurofins Food Testing Ireland was contracted by the FSA in Noord -Ireland to do the tests. In the sampled species, Dublin Bay Garnal, Horse Maker, Mackerel, Haddock, Brown Crab, Haring and Blue Whiting were.
Kwik was detected above the regulating limit in one Dublin Bay garnal sample with a concentration of 0.68 mg/kg. Concentrations of the other heavy metals were less than the maximum EU limits for all tested samples. Concentrations of dioxins and PCBs were among the EU thresholds.
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