Food News

EFSA study on fish consumption and consumer awareness

Fish

A new EFSA study examines how often consumers in the EU eat fish that may contain mercury and whether they are aware of the relevant recommendations.

 

The European Commission requested EFSA to conduct this study in connection with discussions with EU Member States on adjusting the legal limits (maximum residue levels) for mercury in various types of fish and seafood.

Consumer surveys conducted in 29 countries in 2023 and in a second round in ten countries showed that 60% of respondents said they regularly consume fish and seafood. About one-third said they eat fish species known to have higher mercury levels at least three times a week.

 

Current national dietary recommendations indicate that only one to two servings per week of species primarily contaminated with mercury should be consumed and that pregnant women in particular should switch to less contaminated, smaller fish species. The limit of 1.3 µg mercury per kg of body weight per week is easily exceeded with frequent consumption of large sea fish such as swordfish, tuna, or mackerel—even if the current consumption recommendations are followed.

 

In general, eating fish and seafood is considered beneficial to health. However, those who frequently eat large sea fish should be aware that they are also at risk of adverse effects from increased heavy metal intake. Unborn children (pregnant women), infants, and adolescents are particularly at risk. Methylmercury can lead to developmental disorders of the brain and nerve tissue in particular.

 

According to the survey, 50% of respondents are aware of the benefits of regular fish consumption, but only about 10% are also aware of the health risks of regularly exceeding the recommended consumption levels.

 

YOUR PLUS: To make fish consumption as safe as possible, all producers are required to regularly check the heavy metal content of their products. The AGROLAB GROUP laboratories carry out these tests and assess marketability in accordance with the applicable regulations.

 

Author: Dr. Frank Mörsberger, AGROLAB GROUP