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23.12.2024 - Foods

How contaminated are algae?

In the Monitoring 2023, the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) examined various algae for heavy metals and elements to improve the data situation on the general contamination of dried seaweeds.

Ten percent of the tested algae samples had lead levels of over 0.4 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), cadmium levels of more than 3.3 mg/kg, and copper levels of over 8.52 mg/kg. In another ten percent of the algae samples, an arsenic content was found that exceeded the value of 37.6 mg/kg. These results are only slightly below those of a previous monitoring from 2018.

The head of the Department of Food Safety at the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL), Dr. Andrea Luger, criticizes: “Compared to the 2018 study, the values found are still too high.” Given the increasing popularity of seaweeds, especially as an ingredient in sushi, salads, soups, and vegetable dishes, it is important that these products continue to be closely monitored.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests for heavy metals. We provide you with fast and reliable results.

For any questions, our customer advisors are very happy to assist you.