Trace elements inThunnus thynnusfrom Mediterranean Sea and benefit–risk assessment for consumers

Abstract

Trace elemental levels were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry in muscle, eggs and sperm of 23 Thunnus thynnus fishes collected from May to August 2013 in the Mediterranean Sea. Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni and Se content was compared with Recommended Daily Allowances. Cd, Hg and Pb concentrations were below the maximum limits fixed by the European Legislation. Tuna food safety was evaluated considering Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) or Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake for As, Hg, Cd and Pb. Only BMDL01 data for As and Pb were calculated as established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committed on Food Additives. The daily consumption of fresh tuna ensures a good intake of these elements. None of the tested samples surpassed the European maximum limits. Cd, Hg and Pb remained within safety margins, while As is slightly higher than the provisional TWI.

Investigation of Hg Content by a Rapid Analytical Technique in Mediterranean Pelagic Fishes

“…A comparison of the Hg contents with available literature data about pelagic fish species previously investigated pointed out that the results obtained in this study were in good agreement, with some minor differences, with Hg levels in muscle tissue previously reported in this geographic area and also with fishes from oceans around the world (Bodin et al, 2017;Camilleri et al, 2017;Covaci et al, 2017;Di Bella et al, 2015, Eisler, 2010.…”

“…Besides the several plant-based foods promoted by this diet, a moderate consumption of fish is important for its contribution in healthy nutrients such as Omega 3, or 'n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated' fatty acids but with low levels of saturated fatty acids (EFSA, 2012;Camilleri et al, 2017;Di Bella et al, 2015). However, according to the European Food Safety Authority, the consumption of seafood and fish is relevant for assessment of dietary exposure to mercury from food.…”

Trace element concentrations in the apex predator swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from a Mediterranean fishery and risk assessment for consumers

“…The regular consumption of fish is important and increasing, due to the nutritional values linked to fatty acids, some vitamins, minerals and protein, and can make a positive contribution to the prevention of cardiovascular disease and the development of the foetus (Di Bella et al, 2015). The analyzed swordfish samples represent a good nutritional source of essential trace elements.…”

“…Fish represents a powerful model for risk-benefit assessment (Di Bella et al, 2015). In the last years, the health benefits related with seafood consumption have been extensively publicized (Mendil et al, 2010).…”

Toxic Metals in Pelagic, Benthic and Demersal Fish Species from Mediterranean FAO Zone 37

“…Fish is considered a food rich of high-quality proteins and long chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids but low in saturated fatty acids (Sidhu 2003). At the same time, seafood represent a significant source of heavy metal exposure (Lo Turco et al 2012;Di Bella et al 2015;Salvo et al 2015) and the eating of edible marine species gives particularly the greatest contribution to mercury intake (Ferrantelli et al 2012) and, for this reason, fishes are considered bioindicators to metal pollution (Salvo et al 2014;Copat et al 2012). The Mediterranean Sea is one of the marine areas of the world showing increase in fisheries, with high exploitation of both demersal and big pelagic fishes.…”