Awareness on Residue Accumulation from Fish Consumption

Fish is a popular food item in India, and it is an important source of protein for many people. However, there are concerns about the accumulation of residues in fish and the potential health hazards associated with consuming contaminated fish.

According to a study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, pollutants such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic can be present in fish and seafood products, which can cause public health concerns 1. These heavy metals cannot be biodegraded, and bio-accumulation can increase their concentration 1.

In addition to heavy metals, fish processing industry residues can also be a source of concern. The increased exploration of marine resources contributes to the generation of considerable amounts of bio-waste, which ends up as discards. In the face of the resultant disposal and environmental problems, many efforts have been made to deal with the fishery waste in more efficient ways. Nowadays, these by-products are regarded as important sources of high added value compounds, such as hydroxyapatite, collagen, gelatin, lipids, enzymes, hydrolysates, and bio-active peptides, with great potential for human health applications 2.

It is important to note that the potential health hazards associated with consuming contaminated fish depend on the type and amount of contaminants present. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established guidelines for the maximum levels of contaminants in fish and seafood products 1.

In conclusion, while fish is an important source of protein for many people in India, it is important to be aware of the potential health hazards associated with consuming contaminated fish. Efforts should be made to reduce pollution and protect the environment, which can include reducing the use of chemicals, improving waste management practices, and promoting sustainable farming practices 2.

References 

1. Frontiers | Risk assessment of toxic residues among some freshwater and marine water fish species (frontiersin.org)

2. Fish Processing Industry Residues: A Review of Valuable Products Extraction and Characterization Methods | Waste and Biomass Valorization (springer.com)

3. Climate Change and Fish Loss and Waste | Food Loss and Waste in Fish Value Chains | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (fao.org)

4. pesticides_mrl_guidelines_app-j-10254-2021_en.pdf (europa.eu)