FSA publishes seafood sampling survey findings

A seafood sampling survey has revealed some non-compliances but an overall low risk to public health.

In England and Wales, 152 samples of wild caught fish, crustaceans and cephalopods were purchased from fish markets and analyzed for mercury, lead, cadmium, total arsenic, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Also, 76 samples were tested for inorganic arsenic and 51 for dioxins. Examples of cephalopods tested were squid, octopus, and cuttlefish.

Fera was contracted by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to assess the occurrence 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 exceed the limits
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 Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were below UK and EU limits. Of the regulated PFAS analytes, some were detected in cod and crab above EU limits. However, there are currently no restrictions for these substances in fish in UK legislation.

There are no maximum levels for inorganic arsenic in fish and shellfish in the UK. Concentrations of inorganic arsenic in wild caught fish samples were below proposed European levels.

Findings form part of the FSA’s evidence-base for risk management of emerging and pre-established contaminants in wild caught fish, crustacean, and cephalopod products.

Data could support certifying officers looking at the compliance of wild caught fishery products in England and Wales with contaminants legislation when signing Export Health Certificates for the European Union.

In Northern Ireland, 62 samples of wild caught fish and crustaceans were collected between April 2022 and March 2023 from two fish markets in Northern Ireland and processing establishments. They were analyzed for mercury, lead and cadmium. Fifteen samples were tested for dioxins and PCBs.

Eurofins Food Testing Ireland was contracted by the FSA in Northern Ireland to do the testing. Species sampled included Dublin Bay prawn, horse mackerel, mackerel, haddock, Brown crab, herring, and blue whiting.

Mercury was detected above the regulatory limit in one Dublin Bay prawn sample at a concentration of 0.68 mg/kg. Concentrations of the other heavy metals were less than the maximum EU limits for all samples tested. Concentrations of dioxins and PCBs were below EU thresholds.

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