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01.03.2018 - Analytics
Which foods are contaminated with heavy metals?
Total mercury is absorbed about 55% from animal and 45% from plant foods. The particularly problematic methylmercury (organic mercury) is mainly absorbed from fish and seafood.
In all other foods, mercury is predominantly present in inorganic form, which is less dangerous to human health.
Potentially more contaminated fish include shark, butterfish, eel, wolffish, swordfish, halibut, pike, monkfish, and tuna. In contrast, fish such as plaice, herring, and pollock are generally low in contamination. These fish, which are consumed in large quantities, can contribute significantly to mercury intake, even if they are low in contamination.
According to statements from the Max Rubner Institute (MRI), the mercury content of most fish marketed in Germany is below the maximum levels, especially for fish from the North Atlantic. Exceptions include large and old specimens of tuna, white halibut, or swordfish. Such fish are rare and are examined before they are allowed to be traded.
Tuna offered in cans in Germany is primarily made from younger fish. However, test results show that some samples still display mercury levels that approach the allowable maximum levels.
In general, older fish are significantly more contaminated with methylmercury than younger ones. Predatory fish (such as tuna) are also more contaminated than non-predatory fish (such as sardines, bream).
Fish from aquaculture are usually safe.
To reduce mercury intake, it is recommended:
- Wash and/or peel fruits and vegetables thoroughly because heavy metal-containing dusts can deposit on the surface of fruits and vegetables
- Consume no more than 250g of wild mushrooms (based on fresh weight) per week (unlike green plants, mushrooms have the ability to accumulate heavy metals)
- Eat offal, especially from wild animals, rarely
- Women planning to become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and small children should rarely consume fish species at the end of the food chain and prefer less contaminated fish species. These are usually, for example, Alaskan wild salmon, mackerel, herring, or pollock, as well as fish from breeding ponds, such as trout and carp
Cadmium is present in both plant and animal foods due to its widespread occurrence in soils. Therefore, it is not possible to completely avoid the intake of the heavy metal. A varied selection of foods is recommended. Then, highly contaminated and less contaminated foods automatically alternate. In addition, a good supply of nutrients is more likely to be ensured.
Very high cadmium levels are often measured in offal, seafood, algae (caution with dietary supplements), oilseeds (such as poppy seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, sesame), certain mushroom varieties and dark chocolate.
However, the total burden is mainly contributed by products consumed in larger quantities with only low or average cadmium content, such as vegetables and cereal products.
The health benefits of a plant-based diet outweigh the potential disadvantages. Therefore, those who consume a lot of vegetables and grains should not change their dietary habits.
Gasoline was long the main cause of environmental lead pollution. With the introduction of lead-free gasoline, it has significantly decreased. Through industrial emissions, heavy metals enter the air and can deposit as lead-containing dust on plant foods.
However, mussels and mussel products are especially contaminated with lead. However, the limit values are rarely reached or exceeded here as well.
In our Tentamus laboratories, we routinely conduct tests for heavy metals. We provide you with fast and reliable results.
Our customer advisors are happy to assist you with any queries.
Source: www.meine-verbraucherzentrale.de