Quantitative benefit and risk assessment of arsenic and nutrient levels in cooked and raw chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) using an in vitro digestion model

Abstract

The safety and quality of aquatic foods are a public concern due to their content of pollutants, such as arsenic. A formula is derived for quantifying the benefit-risk ratio (HQ) of the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids vs. arsenic in Chinses mitten crabs. Among these arsenic species, the proportion of inorganic arsenic, which is extremely harmful to the human body, is<5%, and its level does not exceed the national standard limit. Meanwhile, comparing with the HQ from the original method, the HQs from groups 0 min, 5 min, 15 min are significantly higher(p < 0.05). This suggests the original assessment method could underestimate the risk of eating crabs. Eating steamed crabs is easier to digest essential fatty acids (EFAs) than eating raw crabs, and it also protects consumers against arsenic exposure. To achieve a good balance of dietary benefits and risks, the steaming duration of the crabs should exceed 30 min.