An IDAEA-CSIC study concludes which are the safest fish for consumption due to their low mercury levels

10 October 2022

The study focuses on more than 1,300 specimens of 58 fish and shellfish species for human consumption. Source: Pixabay

Scientists from the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC) have analysed the concentration of mercury in 58 fish and shellfish species for human consumption found in local markets in Spain, Italy, and France. Of all of them, the specimens of 13 species always presented concentrations of mercury below those recommended as safe by the European Union (EU). Among them are the sardine, anchovy, blackspot seabream, gilthead seabream, and squid.

“Consuming these species minimizes our intake of mercury, which is the price to pay by eating fish. In addition, these fish have a good amount of unsaturated fatty acids, which are more beneficial from a nutritional point of view”, explains Joan O. Grimalt, IDAEA-CSIC researcher and lead author of the study.

Nota de prensa (ESP)
Nota de prensa (CAT)

Marco Capodiferro, Esther Marco, Joan O. Grimalt. Wild fish and seafood species in the western Mediterranean Sea with low safe mercury concentrations. Environmental Pollution. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120274
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