Canned fish is a versatile and convenient way to add fish to your diet which are important for your overall health and wellbeing. They are rich in protein and many other essential nutrients, making it an important food source. It should be noted however that not all canned fish products are good for consumption.
The consumer watchdog in Hong Kong found samples of canned fish products with various levels of metallic contaminants. What does this actually mean? It can cause more harm than good if eaten excessively.
The Study (July 2020)
In the study, 46 samples of canned fish available on the Hong Kong market were tested. The products price range were from 7.80HKD (around $1 USD) to 149HKD (around $19 USD) per can.
- 19 types of sardines
- 20 types of tuna
- 7 kinds of dace fish
Sardine Results
In 17 out of the 19 sardine samples, traces of cadmium was found. Cadmium is a pigment/dye that is added in order to change or enhance color in a product. Two of the products that originated from Thailand contained 0.11mg to 0.13mg of cardmium per kilogram, which exceeded the safe level of 0.1mg under the Food Adulteration Regulation.
There are many safety hazards and potential health concerns record for Cardmium in the 1Source system. It should be noted that the substance has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). To name a few safety hazards of Cardmium:
- May cause respiratory irritation (H335)
- May cause cancer (H35)
- Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child (H361)
- Cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (H372)
More than 70% of the sardine samples contained inorganic arsenic, a substance that has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen as well. However, the samples had below the maximum safe limit of 0.1mg/kg, containing 0.04 to 0.08mg/kg of the substance.
In the 1Source system, there are 15 safety hazards and 137 potential health concerns for inorganic arsenic. It should noted that despite the low amounts of the substance were found, consumers should be aware of the risks when consuming the product.
Tuna Results
In 18 out of the 20 tuna samples, methylmercury was found. The traces were within the 0.5mg/kg upper limit, ranging from 0.06mg/kg to 0.28mg/kg. Another ingredient that is recognised by the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in the category Group 2B. Methylmercury can cause damage to organs as well through prolonged or repeated exposure. The safety hazards listed by the 1Source system are:
- Fatal if swallowed (H300)
- Fatal in contact with skin (H310)
- Fatal if inhaled (H330)
The Centre for Food Safety announced on the 16th of July that a sample of prepackaged frozen fish product from New Zealand had methylmercury that was over the legal limit. A spokesman from the CFS advised people to maintain a balanced and varied diet. To avoid risks posed by excessive intake of metallic contaminants, one should avoid eating large or predatory fish.
Canned Fried Fish Fibre Case (July 2020)
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) announced on the 3rd of July that a canned fried fish fibre sample was found to contain a metal contaminant, mercury, at a level exceeding the legal limit. The test result showed that the product contained mercury at a level of 0.81 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 0.5 ppm. The vendor was informed to stop sales and remove the affected batches from shelves.
The CFS stated “Mercury may affect the nervous system, particularly the developing brain. At high levels, mercury can affect foetal brain development, and affect vision, hearing, muscle co-ordination and memory in adults.”
In the 1Source system, we have records of 10 safety hazards and 73 potential health concerns for mercury. The ingredient is banned for use in cosmetic products in Canada and the European Union. A few notable safety hazards are:
- Fatal if swalled (H300)
- May damage fertility or the unborn child (H360)
- Causes damage to organs (H370)
- Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure)
References
- South Morning China Post: Canned fish in Hong Kong found with various levels of metallic contaminants, consumer watchdog warns against overconsumption
- Consumer Council: Canned fried fish fibre sample detected with mercury exceeding legal limit
- Consumer Council: Sample of prepackaged frozen green wrasse fillet detected with methylmercury exceeding legal limit