Metal Contents in Fish from the Bay of Bengal and Potential Consumer Exposure—The EAF-Nansen Programme

Abstract

Fish represent an important part of the Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi diet. However, fish is also a source of contaminants that may constitute a health risk to consumers. The aim of this study was to analyse the contents of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead in 24 commonly consumed marine fish species from the Bay of Bengal and to assess the potential health risk associated with their consumption. Mercury and lead contents did not exceed the maximum limits for any of the sampled species, and consumer exposure from estimated daily consumption was assessed to be minimal for adults and children. Numerous samples exceeded the maximum limit for cadmium (58%), particularly those of small size (≤25 cm). However, consumer exposure was insignificant, and health assessment showed no risk connected to consumption. These data represent an important contribution to future risk/benefit assessments related to the consumption of fish.

Nutritional value of the marine fish in Bangladesh and their potential to address malnutrition: A review

“…A recent study conducted by Reksten et al . (2021) [ 68 ] found that small marine fish from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka had higher levels of cadmium, arsenic, and lead than large fish, though large fish had higher mercury levels. However, they concluded that studied marine fish posed no health risks to adults and children when consumed in the recommended amounts.…”

A systematic review of fish adulteration and contamination in Bangladesh: A way forward to food safety

“…Fatema et al 63 found that the mercury concentration in the Gher and river shrimp samples was below the acceptable level. Using samples taken from Bangladeshi maritime waters, Moxness Reksten et al 69 examined the levels of arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead in 24 distinct marine fish species from the Bay of Bengal. They discovered that mercury levels in fish of all species were significantly lower than the EU regulatory limits.…”

“…Fatema et al 63 found that the mercury concentration in the Gher and river shrimp samples was below the acceptable level. Using samples taken from Bangladeshi maritime waters, Moxness Reksten et al 69 The Ordinance provides the Government the power to set grades, quality and standards of fish and fish products for ensuring nutrition security. Penalties for violations have also been specified.…”

Ecological Status of Algeciras Bay, in a Highly Anthropised Area in South-West Europe, through Metal Assessment—Part II: Biotic Samples

“…Food safety is an issue of global concern, which makes it essential to determine the toxic elements in foods and their toxicological effects on human health. Therefore, organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and European Commission (EC) set maximum acceptable levels on foods in order to protect the health of consumers and promote good practices in the food trade [ 1 , 2 ].…”