Levels of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D, dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in oily fish; a new perspective on the reporting of nutrient and contaminant data for risk-benefit assessments of oily seafood

Exposure to Imidacloprid under variable conditions disturbs the muscle fatty acid profile of a fresh water non target fish: Labeo rohita

Economy of Pakistan is heavily dependent upon agriculture and extensive use of pesticide is quiet common to enhance the crop yield. Imidacloprid is among the first choice pesticides in Pakistan and it has been reported that through run off along with water it ends up in water bodies affecting non target aquatic fauna. Through the present investigation, we are reporting the effects of Imidacloprid on the fatty acids composition of a non-target, commercially important carp: Labeo rohita. Fish were exposed to sub lethal concentration of Imidacloprid (120 mgL1) for 2, 4 and 8 days (short term) as well as for 16, 32 and 64 days (long term experimental conditions). Pesticide untreated controls were also maintained for each treatment. Following the specific Imidacloprid exposure, fatty acid composition (%) was determined in the muscle of all experimental groups by using gas chromatography. Fish exposed to Imidacloprid for 8 days had reduced Palmitic acid (p = 0.02) and elevated muscle Arachidic acid (p < 0.001) than control group. Labeo rohita exposed to the pesticide for 32 days had elevated muscle Oleic (p = 0.02) and Linoleic acid (p = 0.02) while fish exposed to Imidacloprid to 64 days had reduced muscle Palmitic (p = 0.04) and Oleic acid (p = 0.03). In conclusion, we are reporting that the exposure to sub lethal concentration of Imidacloprid disturb the muscle fatty acid composition of Labeo rohita that may affect its food quality. The effects were more pronounced under long term experimental conditions and were probably due to potentiating lipid peroxidation and disturbed fish metabolism upon Imidacloprid exposure.

Distribution and bioaccumulation of trace elements in two Cyprinidae fish species in the Indus river, Pakistan, including the impact of hydraulic structure on macroinvertebrates' biodiversity

The concentration of trace elements (chromium, lead, zinc, copper, manganese, and iron) was determined in water, sediment and tissues of two Cyprinidae fish species - Labeo rohita and Tor putitora - collected from the eight sampling stations of Indus River in 2022 for four successive seasons (autumn, winter, spring, summer), and also study the present condition of macroinvertebrates after the construction of hydraulic structure. The obtained results of trace element concentrations in the Indus River were higher than the acceptable drinking water standards by WHO. The nitrate concentration ranges from 5.2 to 59.6 mg l-1, turbidity ranges from 3.00 to 63.9 NTU, total suspended solids and ammonium ions are below the detection limit (<0.05). In the liver, highest dry wt trace elements (μg/g) such as Cr (4.32), Pb (7.07), Zn (58.26), Cu (8.38), Mn (50.27), and Fe (83.9) for the Labeo rohita; and Tor Putitora has significantly greater accumulated concentration (Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) in muscle and liver than did Labeo rohita species. Additionally, lower number of macroinvertebrates were recorded during the monsoonal season than pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. Local communities surrounded by polluted environments are more probably to consume more fish and expose them to higher concentrations of toxic trace elements (lead and copper). The findings also provide a basis for broader ecological management of the Indus River, which significantly influenced human beings and socioeconomic disasters, particularly in the local community.

Association between Fish Intake and Serum Testosterone Levels in Older Males: The Hitachi Health Study II

Background

Fish are rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D, which can promote testosterone synthesis and secretion. However, some contaminants present in fish may disrupt testosterone production.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association between fish intake (total, fatty, and lean fish) and serum testosterone levels in older males.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 1545 Japanese males aged 60-69 y who participated in the baseline survey of the Hitachi Health Study II. Fish intake was estimated using a validated brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Total testosterone levels were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to analyze the association between fish intake and serum testosterone levels.

Results

Higher total fish intake was associated with higher levels of serum testosterone, with an adjusted mean [95% confidence interval (CI) of 5.63 (5.43, 5.83) and 5.99 (5.78, 6.20)] ng/mL for the 1st and 4th quartiles of total fish intake, respectively (P for trend = 0.06). When analyzing fatty and lean fish separately, higher intake of lean fish, but not fatty fish, was associated with higher levels of serum testosterone: adjusted mean (95% CI): 5.63 (5.43, 5.82) and 6.00 (5.79, 6.20) ng/mL for the 1st and 4th quartiles of lean fish intake, respectively (P for trend = 0.01).

Conclusions

Among older males, higher intake of total fish, particularly lean fish, was associated with higher serum testosterone levels. Curr Dev Nutr 20xx;x:xx.

Levels of mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead in Northeast Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) from northern European waters

Fillets from a total of 1245 Northeast Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) sampled in different fishing areas of the Northeast Atlantic during 2007-2016 were analysed for mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead using ICPMS. Mercury levels varied from <0.01 to 0.36 mg/kg wet weight (ww) with a total mean of 0.046 mg/kg ww and were significantly higher in Skagerrak than in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and west of Scotland. Cadmium concentrations varied from <0.002 to 0.16 mg/kg ww with a mean value of 0.015 mg/kg ww. Only 0.24 % and 0.16 % of the sampled fish exceeded the EU's maximum levels for cadmium and mercury, respectively. Arsenic levels varied between 0.43 and 6.9 mg/kg ww with a mean value of 2.2 mg/kg ww and showed seasonal variation following variations in fat content. Lead concentrations were low and below the analytical limit of quantification (LOQ) in 97 % of the samples.

Optimal omegas - barriers and novel methods to narrow omega-3 gaps. A narrative review

Dietary intakes of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (O3LC-PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid are central to development and health across the life course. O3LC-PUFAs have been linked to neurological development, maternal and child health and the etiology of certain non-communicable diseases including age-related cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. However, dietary inadequacies exist in the United Kingdom and on a wider global scale. One predominant dietary source of O3LC-PUFAs is fish and fish oils. However, growing concerns about overfishing, oceanic contaminants such as dioxins and microplastics and the trend towards plant-based diets appear to be acting as cumulative barriers to O3LC-PUFAs from these food sources. Microalgae are an alternative provider of O3LC-PUFA-rich oils. The delivery of these into food systems is gaining interest. The present narrative review aims to discuss the present barriers to obtaining suitable levels of O3LC-PUFAs for health and wellbeing. It then discusses potential ways forward focusing on innovative delivery methods to utilize O3LC-PUFA-rich oils including the use of fortification strategies, bioengineered plants, microencapsulation, and microalgae.

Multi-tissue proteogenomic analysis for mechanistic toxicology studies in non-model species

New approach methodologies (NAM), including omics and in vitro approaches, are contributing to the implementation of 3R (reduction, refinement and replacement) strategies in regulatory science and risk assessment. In this study, we present an integrative transcriptomics and proteomics analysis workflow for the validation and revision of complex fish genomes and demonstrate how proteogenomics expression matrices can be used to support multi-level omics data integration in non-model species in vivo and in vitro. Using Atlantic salmon as an example, we constructed proteogenomic databases from publicly available transcriptomic data and in-house generated RNA-Seq and LC-MS/MS data. Our analysis identified ∼80,000 peptides, providing direct evidence of translation for over 40,000 RefSeq structures. The data also highlighted 183 co-located peptide groups that supported a single transcript each, and in each case, either corrected a previous annotation, supported Ensembl annotations not present in RefSeq, or identified novel previously unannotated genes. Proteogenomics data-derived expression matrices revealed distinct profiles for the different tissue types analyzed. Focusing on proteins involved in defense against xenobiotics, we detected distinct expression patterns across different salmon tissues and observed homology in the expression of chemical defense proteins between in vivo and in vitro liver systems. Our study demonstrates the potential of proteogenomic analyses in extending our understanding of complex fish genomes and provides an advanced bioinformatic toolkit to support the further development of NAMs and their application in regulatory science and (eco)toxicological studies of non-model species.

New Insights into Prospective Health Potential of ω-3 PUFAs

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid are the two essential long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) promoting human health which are obtained from diet or supplementation. The eicosanoids derived from ω-6 and ω-3 PUFAs have opposite characteristics of pro- and anti-inflammatory activities. The proinflammatory effects of ω-6 PUFAs are behind the pathology of the adverse health conditions of PUFA metabolism like cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and inflammatory diseases. A balanced ω-6 to ω-3 ratio of 1-4:1 is critical to prevent the associated disorders. But due to modern agricultural practices, there is a disastrous shift in this ratio to 10-20:1. This review primarily aims to discuss the myriad health potentials of ω-3 PUFAs uncovered through recent research. It further manifests the importance of maintaining a balanced ω-6 to ω-3 PUFA ratio.

RECENT FINDINGS

ω-3 PUFAs exhibit protective effects against diabetes mellitus-associated complications including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, and proteinuria. COVID-19 is also not an exception to the health benefits of ω-3 PUFAs. Supplementation of ω-3 PUFAs improved the respiratory and clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients. ω-3 PUFAs exhibit a variety of health benefits including anti-inflammatory property and antimicrobial property and are effective in protecting against various health conditions like atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, COVID-19, and neurological disorders. In the present review, various health potentials of ω-3 PUFAs are extensively reviewed and summarized. Further, the importance of a balanced ω-6 to ω-3 PUFA ratio has been emphasized besides stating the diverse sources of ω-3 PUFA.

The role of endocrine disruptors in female infertility

INTRODUCTION

 According to the World Health Organization, infertility is a public health problem that affects around 48 million couples and 186 million individuals worldwide. Endocrine disruptors are one of the causes that raise more concern, given that it is a problem that has evolved with the progress of society. Many chemicals are used by food industry, entering food chain, and directly affecting human health. Endocrine disruptors have the capacity of interfering with the normal hormonal action, metabolism, and biosynthesis, which can lead to a variation of the normal hormonal homeostasis. Some of these endocrine disruptors are highly associated with diseases that are positively correlated with female infertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycle and also disturbances on processes as steroidogenesis and development of the ovarian follicles.

RESULTS

The present literature review covers various aspects of the possible relationship between endocrine disruptors and female infertility. Bisphenol A and its metabolites, phthalates, dioxins, organochlorine, and organophosphate compounds are groups of chemicals considered to have the capacity to disrupt endocrine activity and herein addressed. The results reported in in vivo studies and in clinical trials addressing endocrine disruptors and female infertility were discussed as well as their possible mechanism of action.

CONCLUSIONS

Large, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials are needed to better understand the mechanisms of action of endocrine disruptors in female infertility, as well as the doses and frequency of exposure responsible for it.

Congener-specific accumulation of persistent organic pollutants in marine fish from the Northeast Atlantic Ocean

Bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in marine fish may pose a health risk to human consumers. Using data from ∼8400 individuals of 15 fish species collected in the North-East Atlantic Ocean (NEAO), we assessed concentrations of individual POP congeners, including dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). POPs analyses were performed with accredited methods using high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry, gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and GC/MS. The results showed that POPs congener composition profiles were more influenced by fish species than by geography. However, due to long range transport from emissions at lower latitudes, lighter congeners made a larger contribution to the total POPs concentrations in the northernmost areas compared to southern regions. A model was developed to elucidate the relative effects of several factors on POPs concentrations and showed that variation among and within fish species was associated with fat content, fish size, trophic position, and latitude. For the first time, POPs concentrations were shown to increase nonlinearly with fat content, reaching an asymptotic plateau when fat content was > 10%. This study explored detailed POP congener profiles and the factors associated with POPs accumulation in commercially relevant fish harvested from the NEAO.

Sampling of Atlantic salmon using the Norwegian Quality cut (NQC) vs. Whole fillet; differences in contaminant and nutrient contents

Risk- benefit assessments of seafood require high-quality food composition data. In accordance with EU regulations, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) has conventionally been sampled using the Norwegian Quality Cut (NQC), a sub-cut of the middle section of the fish, in Norwegian surveillance programs. By comparing the contents of nutrients and contaminants in 34 samples of farmed Atlantic salmon, we aimed to evaluate the representativeness of the NQC compared with the whole fillet. Of the 129 analytes evaluated, eight single analytes, in addition to 25 different fatty acids, showed significant differences between the cuts. Significant differences were evident for total fat, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and sum PCB-6, but not for the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs. We further suggest that the NQC may still be used in large-scale sampling of Atlantic salmon, and that the whole fillet would be preferable when analysing the content of nutrients.

Health risk-benefit assessment of the commercial red mangrove crab: Implications for a cultural delicacy

Mangrove forests, provide vital food resources and are an endangered ecosystem worldwide due to pollution and habitat destruction. A risk-benefit assessment (RBA) was performed on the red mangrove crab (Ucides occidentalis) from the threatened Guayas mangroves in Ecuador. It was aimed to assess the combined potential adverse and beneficial health impact associated with crab consumption and define a recommended safe intake (SI) to improve the diet of the Ecuadoran population while ensuring safe food intake. Target hazard quotients (THQs), benefit quotients (Qs), and benefit-risk quotients (BRQs) were calculated based on the concentrations of the analyzed contaminants (121 pesticide residues, 11 metal(loid)s, antimicrobial drugs from 3 classes) and nutrients (fatty acids, amino acids, and essential nutrients). Except for inorganic arsenic (iAs), the THQ was below 100 for all investigated contaminants, suggesting that the average crab consumer is exposed to levels that do not impose negative non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic health effects in the long and/or short term. Concentrations of iAs (average AsIII: 25.64 and AsV: 6.28 μg/kg fw) were of the highest concern because of the potential to cause negative health effects on long-term consumption. Despite the thriving aquaculture in the Guayas estuary, concentrations of residues of the antimicrobial drugs oxytetracycline (OTC), florfenicol, and nitrofurans still were low. Based on the fact that different risk reference values exist, related to different safety levels, four SI values (0.002, 0.04, 4, and 18 crabs/day) were obtained. The strictest intake values indicate a concern for current consumption habits. In conclusion, the red mangrove crab contains various important nutrients and can be part of a balanced diet for the Ecuadorian population when consumed in limited portions. The present study emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the quality of the environment as a prerequisite for procuring nutritious and safe food.

Human dietary exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs through the consumption of Atlantic herring from fishing areas in the Norwegian Sea and Baltic Sea

The concentrations of dioxins [polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs)], and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in Atlantic herring depend on the fishing area. These substances originate from various anthropogenic sources and accumulate in the environment and in food. The influence of country-specific contaminant concentrations on human dietary exposure was studied exemplary for herring to show the influence of fish origin. PCDD/F and DL-PCB concentrations in herring from the Norwegian Sea and the Baltic Sea were combined with country-specific herring consumption. Herring concentrations showed geographical variation. For herring consumers, the 50th percentile dietary exposure to the total sum of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs amounted to 1.2 and 8.9 pg WHO-2005-TEQ/kg BW/week for Norway and Germany, respectively. The different exposure was mainly related to higher concentrations in herring from the Baltic Sea, rather than in herring from the Norwegian Sea. If contaminant concentrations are influenced by geographical origin, this should be integrated into the dietary exposure assessments. For herring, relevant fishing areas should be integrated into the sampling strategy to generate concentration data. The usage of country-specific data could refine exposure assessments.

Flow Injection Amperometric Measurement of Formalin in Seafood

Formalin is illegally used as an antibacterial and a preservative in seafood products. It is extremely important for public health reasons to be able to simply, rapidly, and accurately detect formalin in fresh seafood. In this work, we developed a flow injection amperometric (FI-Amp) formalin sensor based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with a composite of palladium particles and carbon microspheres (PdPs-CMs/GCE). The CMs were decorated with PdPs via an electroless deposition method. The surface morphology of the CMs and the PdPs-CMs composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). The electrochemical behavior and measurement of formalin at the PdPs-CMs/GCE was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. The modified electrode demonstrated good electrocatalytic performance for the oxidation of formalin. The synthesis method and FI-Amp operating conditions were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the developed sensor showed a linear range of 0.025 to 15.00 mmol L^-1 and a detection limit of 8 μmol L^-1. Repeatability (RSD < 4.1%, n = 30), reproducibility (RSD = 0.25%, n = 5), stability (RSD = 3.2%, n = 80), and selectivity were good. The fabricated sensor achieved recoveries of formalin in seafood between 96 ± 1 to 105 ± 3 (n = 3).

Associations of paternal serum dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations with IVF success: A pilot study

Dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) are environmental pollutants that have been associated with impaired semen quality. However, research on the potential impact of paternal exposure to DL-PCBs and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes are limited. We examine the relationship between serum DL-PCB concentrations and IVF outcomes among 42 males seeking fertility treatment. Concentrations of 12 serum DL-PCBs were analyzed by high-resolution gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Modified Poisson regressions, adjusted for confounders, were used to assess bivariate associations and to estimate risk ratios (RRs) between DL-PCBs and binary IVF outcomes. The median concentration (25th-75th percentiles) of the sum of the 12 DL-PCBs (∑DL-PCBs) obtained for the patients was 5.42 (3.78-7.78) ng/g lipid. No statistically significant association between DL-PCB levels and embryo quality was found. However, men with high serum PCB-77 concentrations present more probability of high-quality embryos (RR: 0.292; 95% CI: 0.090-0.942), whereas the opposite trend is observed for men with lower serum levels of PCB-156 (RR: 7.960; 95% CI: 1.020-62.100), who present increased odds of high-quality embryos. Serum concentrations of PCB-126 and PCB-114 were associated with decreased implantation rates (p < 0.05). Moreover, PCB-77 and ∑non-ortho PCBs were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of clinical pregnancy (p < 0.05). A lower likelihood of live birth was associated with higher levels of PCB-77, PCB-105, PCB-118, and recording significant differences for ∑non-ortho PCBs, ∑mono-ortho PCBs, and ∑DL-PCBs (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that paternal DL-PCB exposure before conception may be related to pregnancy endpoints. However, DL-PCB measurement were limited to male partners. Therefore, we propose that future studies with larger population sizes should include both maternal and paternal factors.

Investigating fish contamination scenario and community willingness to adopt consumption advice proposing an advisory option

Consumption advice to ensure the health and safety of fish consumers remains urgent to handle the ever-increasing panic over heavy metal toxicity. Moreover, studies of fish consumption rarely focus on the perceptions and awareness of consumers. Considering this, the present study examines the factors determining the willingness to follow fish consumption advice as well as calculate the risk-benefit ratio and produce the vulnerability map followed by formulating fish consumption advice for consumers of two commercially important fish species, tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and mudfish (Ophiocephalus striatus), in the Laguna de Bay area of the Philippines. Primary data on consumers' perceptions were collected through a questionnaire, whereas heavy metal contamination data were compiled from the best available literature. We concluded that people's willingness to adopt consumption advice is mostly dependent on their existing level of fish consumption (P = 0.000). There was no discernible difference in the mean concentration of heavy metals in fish between the dry and wet seasons, with the exception of As concentrations in the samples (t15.75 = 3.72, p < 0.001). The hazard quotient (risk-benefit ratio) for fish consumption (HQefa) was an order of magnitude higher in the mudfish samples (0.05 and 28.28) compared to tilapia (0.04 to 16.02). Binangonan and Taguig from the Northern West Bay (1A, 1B) were clearly recognised on the vulnerability map as the most vulnerable regions in the lake. In general, it was determined that As and Pb were the elements causing consumption restrictions on tilapia collected from various parts of Laguna Lake. As with tilapia, locations with a high-risk advisory for mudfish were identified as the Northern West Bay and Central Bay, with a consumption limit of five meals per month due to excessive mercury pollution. This empirical study can serve as an option for the future development of fish consumption advice in the region.

Co-occurrence of contaminants in marine fish from the North East Atlantic Ocean: Implications for human risk assessment

Marine fish from the North East Atlantic Ocean (NEAO) are nutrient rich and considered a valuable economic resource. However, marine fish are also a major dietary source of several contaminants, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals. Using one of the world's largest seafood datasets (n > 25,000 individuals), comprising 12 commercially important fish species collected during 2006-2019 in the NEAO, we assessed the co-occurrence of elements and POPs, and evaluated potential risks to human consumers. Several positive correlations between concentrations of mercury (Hg), dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were observed. Concentrations of Hg, dioxins, PCBs and PBDEs increased from North to South and associations between marine sediment contamination, sea temperature, and fish Hg and POPs concentrations were identified using multi-linear regression (MLR) models. In general, Hg concentrations in fillet and liver of fish were positively associated with increases in both sediment contamination and sea temperature. POPs concentrations in both fillet and liver were positively associated with increases in sediment contamination, and only POPs concentrations in the liver of benthopelagic and demersal species were found to be positively correlated with sea temperature. Using a probabilistic approach to estimate human contaminant exposure from seafood, we showed that intake of pelagic species posed the highest risk of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) exposure, while intake of benthopelagic and demersal species posed the highest risk of Hg exposure. This study can serve as a model to further understand the distribution, co-occurrence, and trends of contaminants in seafood harvested from the NEAO and their potential risks to human consumers.

Temporal variations in the nutrient content of Norwegian farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), 2005-2020

The changes in the feed of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) towards a more plant-based diet affect the nutritional value of the fillets. By compiling the contents of a range of nutrients in 1108 samples of Norwegian farmed Atlantic salmon collected between 2005 and 2020, we found that the median contents of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have decreased by > 60%. However, farmed Atlantic salmon remains a considerable source of EPA and DHA, with one and two portions being sufficient to meet the weekly adequate intake of EPA and DHA for adults (175 g) and two-year-olds (80 g), respectively. Farmed Atlantic salmon also remains a considerable source of protein, selenium, vitamin B₁₂, and vitamin D₃. Together, we demonstrate that farmed Atlantic salmon can contribute substantially to the nutrient intake of the consumers. These data are important for the Norwegian food composition table and future risk-benefit assessments on fatty fish consumption.

Targeted risk assessment of mercury exposure of recreational fishers: Are nephrops fishers in Norway at risk?

Recreational fishers often consume their catch, which may expose them to environmental contaminants. However, targeted risk assessment for exceeding the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of a specific contaminant is often lacking, as specific data on the extent of fishing, consumption rates, and contamination of the caught seafood is needed. This study examined recreational fishing for nephrops (Nephrops norvegicus) at several different locations in Western Norway to identify important risk factors. The combination of a field survey to examine actual catches, interviews of recreational fishers about their seafood eating habits, and the analysis of total mercury (Hg, as a proxy for methylmercury (MeHg)) in recreationally captured nephrops allowed to conduct a targeted risk assessment. Recreational fishers consumed on average seven nephrops per meal, and 73% of the fishers ate nephrops once a month or more. The average Hg concentrations in nephrops were below the legal maximum level (100 ± 50 μg/kg wet weight (mean ± SD)). Hg concentrations in female nephrops were significantly higher than in males at the same size, and differed significantly between locations. The recreational fishers in this study were not at risk of exceeding the TWI for MeHg from consuming nephrops only; however, there is a general risk of exceeding TWI for MeHg as 70% of the fishers reported a frequent consumption of fish for dinner. Targeted risk assessments on recreational fishers may reveal particularly vulnerable populations where national dietary surveys may miss the highest seafood consumers.

FishChoice 2.0: Information on health benefits / risks and sustainability for seafood consumers

Since seafood is a significant source of nutrients with known health benefits, its consumption is promoted as a healthy food choice. However, seafood can also contain potentially hazardous environmental pollutants. In the context of the ECsafeSEAFOOD FP7 project, FishChoice (www.fishchoice.eu) was developed as a communication tool to help to the consumers to take the most appropriate decisions on their seafood consumption habits. FishChoice relies on scientific information that allows calculating, on an individual basis, intakes of nutrients and pollutants derived from seafood consumption. In the framework of the EU-H2020 funded SEAFOOD^TOMORROW project, an optimized version of the online tool has been released. FishChoice is available in 25 EU languages with a customized list of seafood species per EU country, considering specific (national) consumption habits. The list of nutrients has been extended according to the latest EFSA recommendations, while pollutants data incorporate results from recent studies. The sustainability of seafood consumption has been also implemented, providing recommendations to help preserve the marine environment. Finally, FishChoice is suitable not only for consumers, but also health professionals, schools and academia, as well as the industrial sector and public health providers.