New Food Standards Agency surveys show pollutant levels in fish continuing to fall
Friday 17 February 2006
Ref: R1224 - 38
The most comprehensive surveys of fish eaten in the UK show that levels of pollutants (dioxins and PCBs) in most fish are continuing to fall. The findings reinforce the Agency's advice that most people should eat more fish.
The latest surveys report on the levels of dioxins, PCBs, and similar brominated compounds in over 40 species of fish and shellfish. The findings were assessed at a meeting this week (14 February 2006) of the group of independent scientific experts, the Committee on Toxicity (COT) that advises the Agency. Their opinion on the new data reaffirmed the Agency's current advice to consumers on the benefits of eating fish.
Long-standing public health advice continues to be that consumers should eat at least two portions of fish a week, and that one should be an oily fish. There is good evidence that eating oily fish can help keep our hearts healthy and reduces the risk of heart disease. On average, people in the UK eat only a third of a portion of oily fish a week. In any week, seven out of ten don't eat any oily fish at all.
The Agency has specific advice for particular groups of people, as well as those who eat a lot of fish. This has been updated following this survey to take into account the levels of pollutants found in crab and five species of white fish. (See notes to editors.)
Dr Andrew Wadge, FSA Director of Food Safety, said: 'The results of these surveys are good news. We don't eat enough fish in Britain and we should be eating more. Eating fish is a good way to get protein and some essential vitamins and minerals, and oily fish, for example salmon, sardines and mackerel, also give added protection against heart disease.
'The survey has shown that some people who eat a lot of fish may need to think about eating a wider variety of fish and we are updating our advice to reflect this. There is also specific advice for pregnant and breastfeeding women and other groups - but everyone should be aiming to eat at least two portions a week, including one of oily fish.'
Notes to editors
Detailed FSA fish advice
Oily fish
- Girls of all ages and women who might have a baby one day - maximum two portions of oily fish a week
- All other adults and boys - maximum four portions a week
Occasionally eating more than these guidelines will not be harmful. Dioxins and PCBs have no immediate effect on health, but can be harmful if they build up in our bodies over time and may pose some risk to the unborn baby. This build-up is why the advice is for all girls and women who might have a baby one day.
Other fish
The recent survey results have shown that some other fish and crab may also have similar levels of dioxins and PCBs as oily fish. These fish are:
- sea bream
- turbot
- halibut
- dog fish or huss
- sea Bbass
Anyone who regularly eats a lot of fish should consider choosing a wider variety - as part of a balanced diet - eating less of these species, and more with lower levels of pollutants such as red snapper, haddock, coley or hake instead.
In addition, adults should have no more than one portion of swordfish, shark or marlin a week. Children under 16 should not eat these three species of fish or eat more two tuna steaks or four medium-size cans of tuna a week. This is because these fish contain high levels of mercury (see also similar advice for pregnant women).
Pregnant women
In addition to the advice above, pregnant women or women intending to become pregnant should not eat shark, swordfish and marlin. They should also limit the amount of tuna they eat to no more than two tuna steaks or four medium-size cans of tuna a week. This advice is because of the levels of mercury in these fish. At high levels mercury can harm a baby's developing nervous system.
More advice from our eatwell website
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