Abstract

Hg, Pb and Cd levels in fresh and canned tuna were determined and assessed by comparing element levels in these samples with maximum permissible limits set by European legislation. The estimated weekly intakes by human consuming both fresh and canned tuna were also evaluated for possible consumer health risks. Among tested metals, Hg had the highest concentrations, followed by Pb and Cd either in fresh tuna or canned tuna. None of the tested samples surpassed the European regulatory limits fixed for Cd and Pb, whereas 8.9% of the tuna cans and 20% of fresh tuna samples exceeded standard for Hg. The size of tuna was a determining factor of Hg burden. A high intake of Hg surpassing the toxicological reference value established by WHO, was associated with consumption of larger size tuna specimens. Also canned tuna consumption with Hg concentrations higher than 1 lg kg1, strongly increased the consumer exposure. In contrast, Cd and Pb weekly intakes through consumption either of fresh tuna or canned tuna did not exceed the toxicological reference values established by WHO, and consequently there was no human health risk. A continuous surveillance system of Hg content in these fishery products is crucial for consumer protection.

Autore Pugliese

• Storelli Maria Maddalena

Tutti gli autori

• BARONE G.;STORELLI M.M.

Titolo volume/Rivista

Non Disponibile

Anno di pubblicazione

2010

ISSN

0278-6915

ISBN

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Wos

Nessuna citazione

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Scopus

53

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile

Settori ERC

Non Disponibile

Codici ASJC

Non Disponibile