Abstract
This work investigates the level of exposure to cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) via fish and seafood products in adult population in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Metals content was determined in seven commercial species of fish and seafood products widely available and consumed in BiH. Analysis of Cd and Pb was performed by GFAAS (Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry), and analysis of Hg by FIAS AAS (flow injection cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry) in accredited laboratory for food analysis. The health risk was determined by the estimated weekly intake, hazard index, target hazard quotients, and percent of tolerable weekly intake or percent of benchmark dose lower confidence limit. Concentration above the maximum residue level (MRL) set in the European Union was found in only one sample (Hg in mackerel). Cd content was generally high in squid, approaching the corresponding MRL in two samples. The hazard index was close to 1 in bluefin tuna and mackerel, mostly due to Hg content. These two fish species should be consumed in moderation, especially by pregnant women. While consumption of various fish and seafood on average is not of significant concern, health risk could not be ruled out for high consumers.
Highlights
Fish is considered a significant part of a healthy, well-balanced diet due to its exceptional nutritional properties
Our previous work showed that the content of heavy metals in certain samples of fish from the Neretva river (BiH) exceeds maximum residue level (MRL) for some metals, and content found in many commercially available fish could pose a health risk for high consumers[13]
Independent research often reveals contaminant levels above the legal limits of randomly selected samples from the market. These data are valuable for both food safety and public health authorities, as can be seen from e.g. the European food safety authority (EFSA) reports on health risk assessment for European consumers, which cite and relies on findings in these research papers
Summary
Fish is considered a significant part of a healthy, well-balanced diet due to its exceptional nutritional properties (high-quality proteins, vitamins, essential omega-3 fatty acids). The MRL value is a single number for a certain pollutant that can only be used to truly determine if the product can be legally traded Compliance with these values does not guarantee the safety of the food in case of more frequent consumption. Independent (academic) research often reveals contaminant levels above the legal limits of randomly selected samples from the market These data are valuable for both food safety and public health authorities, as can be seen from e.g. the European food safety authority (EFSA) reports on health risk assessment for European consumers, which cite and relies on findings in these research papers. The aim of this work was to determine toxic metals (Cd, Pb, and Hg) content in different fish and seafood and to assess potential health risk based on previously estimated daily intake in the adult population in B iH14. Our results are valuable inputs for food regulatory agency as well as public health authorities
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