EFSA study reveals gap between mercury awareness and fish consumption habits

A new comprehensive study by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has highlighted a significant disconnect between what EU consumers know about mercury in seafood and what they actually put on their plates.

Following a request from the European Commission, the research tracked consumption patterns across all 27 EU Member States, Iceland, and Norway. The goal was to determine if consumers (specifically vulnerable groups like pregnant women) are following national dietary advice regarding species prone to mercury accumulation.

The survey focused on large predatory fish, such as shark, swordfish, and bigeye tuna. Because these species sit at the top of the food chain and live longer, they accumulate higher levels of methylmercury, a potent neurotoxin, by consuming smaller fish.

While fish are vital sources of nutrients for fetal brain development and cardiovascular health, methylmercury exposure poses a direct risk to the developing nervous systems of fetuses and young children.

Despite existing health warnings, the data revealed that a third of respondents are frequent consumers of high-mercury species. Approximately 34% of adults and 33% of pregnant women reported eating fish species with the highest mercury limits (1.0 mg/kg) three or more times per week. Most national authorities suggest limiting these specific species to just 1–2 portions per week, or opting for smaller fish with lower mercury levels (0.3–0.5 mg/kg).

While these findings are critical for future regulatory limits, they should be treated with some caution due to uncertainties in survey representativeness.

Source:
EFSA Journal