To: Seafood HACCP Mailing List
I first heard about the two articles (see below) from the UK re: declining
levels of pollutants in fish.
As you know Dr. Charles Santerre (Food Toxicologist, Purdue University),
is subscribed to the seafood HACCP mailing list. I asked his opinion
regarding the recent news from the UK.
His comments are below and he says that I can share it with the listserv.
Pamela Tom
Seafood HACCP Mailing List - Owner
University of California
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>From santerre@purdue.edu Sun Feb 19 10:09:36 2006
Date: Sat, 18 Feb 2006 08:50:22 -0500
From: "Santerre, Charles R" <santerre@purdue.edu>
To: Pamela Tom <pdtom@ucdavis.edu>
Subject: Declining pollutant levels in Europe
Pam: Thanks. I do not currently receive Jack Cooper's excellent newsletter
but I have enjoyed it in years past. In the US, PCB levels are estimated
to be about 10% of the levels that were found in fish in the late 1970's
when PCB production was banned. We still see high levels in and around
many superfund sites and old landfills. Mercury may be going down slightly
over time but that change has not been as dramatic. Our advice has just
been updated to include the recently released FDA mercury data. Brominated
flame retardants are likely to be increasing because these compounds are
still in use. It seems that every State that has looked for these
compounds in fish from inland waters are finding them. Efforts in
California and some other States will slowly remove some of these
commercial formulations from the marketplace and we will then start to see
a decline. I believe that the largest manufacturer (Great Lakes Chemical)
of PBDEs is also voluntarily withdrawing some of them from the
marketplace. Until recent years, brominated flame retardants in human milk
of women living in Sweeden was doubling every 5 years. I have not seen
recent data but have heard that the increase has slowed as the Europeans
countries have restricted some of these compounds. The attached reports
may point that out. I do not know how the number of deaths from fire have
changed as a result of these restriction. From my perspective, the bottom
line is too eat fish but sensitive populations should still make informed
decisions. Our latest 'Fish 4 Health' advice can be seen at the following
links. Feel free to share with the ListServ. Charlie
Advice for sensitive populations in English:
http://fn.cfs.purdue.edu/anglingindiana/FishAdvisory%2006.PDF
Advice for sensitive populations in Spanish:
http://fn.cfs.purdue.edu/anglingindiana/FishAdvisory%2006%20Span.PDF
Kosher advice for sensitive populations:
http://fn.cfs.purdue.edu/anglingindiana/FishAdvisory%20Kosher%2006.PDF
Charles R. Santerre, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Foods and Nutrition
Purdue University
Stone Hall, Rm. 205
700 W. State St.
W. Lafayette, IN 47907-2059
ph 765/496-3443
fax 765/494-0674
email santerre@purdue.edu
http://fn.cfs.purdue.edu/santerre
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2006 10:51:20 -0500
From: "FIEN, LLC - Jack Cooper 301 384 8287" <JLC@fien.com>
To: "Fisheries, Food Safety, Nutrition and Risk Assessment Issues
Distribution Lists" <JLC@fien.com>
Cc: Information copy for <Martin.Gem@FoodStandards.gsi.gov.uk>
Subject: "Surveys show pollutant levels in fish falling" is the title of a
UK Food Standards Agency February 17 News Release,
which states in part that " ... Two Agency surveys of fish eaten in the UK
are published today. They show that levels of pollutants (dioxins and PCBs)
in most fish are continuing to fall. The findings reinforce the Agency^Rs
advice that most people should eat more fish ..." ...
For your convenience, the following four documents follow this summary:
* "Surveys show pollutant levels in fish falling"
* "New Food Standards Agency surveys show pollutant levels in fish continuing to fall"
* FSA Food Survey Information Sheet, titled: "Brominated chemicals in farmed and wild fish and shellfish and fish oil dietary supplements" and
* FSA Food Survey Information Sheet, titled: "Dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in farmed and wild fish and shellfish"
Jack Cooper on February 17 at 10:47 am
FISHERIES, FOOD SAFETY, NUTRITION AND RISK ASSESSMENT
* "Surveys show pollutant levels in fish falling" is the title of a UK Food Standards Agency February 17 News Release, which states in part that " ... Two Agency surveys of fish eaten in the UK are published today. They show that levels of pollutants (dioxins and PCBs) in most fish are continuing to fall. The findings reinforce the Agency's advice that most people should eat more fish. The latest Food Survey Information Sheets (FSISs) report on the levels of dioxins, PCBs, and similar brominated compounds in more than 40 species of fish and shellfish. The findings were assessed at a meeting this week (14 February) of the group of independent scientific experts, the Committee on Toxicity, which advises the Agency. The committee's opinion on the new data reaffirmed the Agency's current advice on the benefits of eating fish ... Long-standing advice continues to be that people should eat at least two portions of fish a week, and that one should be an oily fish ... The results of these surveys are good news. We
don't eat enough fish in Britain and we should be eating more. Eating fish is a good way to get protein and some essential vitamins and minerals, and oily fish, for example salmon, sardines and mackerel, also give added protection against heart disease. The Agency has specific advice for particular groups of people, as well as those who eat a lot of fish. This has been updated following this survey to take into account the levels of pollutants found in crab and five species of white fish ... Based on the results of this survey, the Agency's advice on the consumption of oily fish remains unchanged. People should eat at least two portions of fish per week, one of which should be oily. Girls and women who may have a baby one day are advised to limit their consumption of oily fish to two portions per week while everyone else is advised not to eat more than four portions of oily fish a week ..." - The FSA Food Survey Information Sheet, titled: "Brominated chemicals in farmed and wild fish and shellfish and fish
oil dietary supplements" is posted at http://www.food.gov.uk/science/surveillance/fsisbranch2006/fsis0406 - The Information Sheet, titled "Dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in farmed and wild fish and shellfish" is posted at http://www.food.gov.uk/science/surveillance/fsisbranch2006/fsis0306 - The FSA News release, titled "New Food Standards Agency surveys show pollutant levels in fish continuing to fall" is posted at http://www.food.gov.uk/news/pressreleases/2006/feb/fishsurveys which contains FSA revised fish consumption advice - Another FSA February 17 News Release, titled "Surveys show pollutant levels in fish falling" is posted at http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2006/feb/fishsurveys
http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2006/feb/fishsurveys
Surveys show pollutant levels in fish falling
Friday 17 February 2006
Two Agency surveys of fish eaten in the UK are published today. They show that levels of pollutants (dioxins and PCBs) in most fish are continuing to fall.
The findings reinforce the Agency's advice that most people should eat more fish.
The latest Food Survey Information Sheets (FSISs) report on the levels of dioxins, PCBs, and similar brominated compounds in more than 40 species of fish and shellfish. The findings were assessed at a meeting this week (14 February) of the group of independent scientific experts, the Committee on Toxicity, which advises the Agency. The committee's opinion on the new data reaffirmed the Agency's current advice on the benefits of eating fish.
Eat more fish
Long-standing advice continues to be that people should eat at least two portions of fish a week, and that one should be an oily fish. There is good evidence that eating oily fish can help keep our hearts healthy and reduces the risk of heart disease. On average, people in the UK eat only a third of a portion of oily fish a week. In any week, seven out of ten don't eat any oily fish at all.
The results of these surveys are good news. We don't eat enough fish in Britain and we should be eating more. Eating fish is a good way to get protein and some essential vitamins and minerals, and oily fish, for example salmon, sardines and mackerel, also give added protection against heart disease.
The Agency has specific advice for particular groups of people, as well as those who eat a lot of fish. This has been updated following this survey to take into account the levels of pollutants found in crab and five species of white fish.
Andrew Wadge, FSA Director of Food Safety, said: 'The results of these surveys are good news. We don't eat enough fish in Britain and we should be eating more. Eating fish is a good way to get protein and some essential vitamins and minerals, and oily fish - for example, salmon, sardines and mackerel - also give added protection against heart disease.
'The survey has shown that some people who eat a lot of fish may need to think about eating a wider variety of fish and we are updating our advice to reflect this. There is also specific advice for pregnant and breastfeeding women and other groups - but everyone should be aiming to eat at least two portions a week, including one of oily fish.'
Agency advice
Based on the results of this survey, the Agency's advice on the consumption of oily fish remains unchanged. People should eat at least two portions of fish per week, one of which should be oily. Girls and women who may have a baby one day are advised to limit their consumption of oily fish to two portions per week while everyone else is advised not to eat more than four portions of oily fish a week.
Dioxins and polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs) are chemicals that get into our food from the environment. They have no immediate effect on our health but can cause problems if they are absorbed into our bodies at high levels for long periods.
The recent survey results have shown that some other fish and crab may also have similar levels of dioxins and PCBs to oily fish. These fish are: sea bream, turbot, halibut, dog fish or huss, and sea bass.
Anyone who regularly eats a lot of fish should consider choosing a wider variety (as part of a balanced diet) - eating less crab and these five species, and more that have lower levels of pollutants, such as red snapper, haddock, coley or hake.
See the 'Fish and shellfish' link below for all the Agency's advice on eating fish and shellfish.
Brominated chemicals in farmed and wild fish and shellfish and fish oil dietary supplements Read the Food Survey Information Sheet http://www.food.gov.uk/science/surveillance/fsisbranch2006/fsis0406
Dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in farmed and wild fish and shellfish Read the Food Survey Information Sheet http://www.food.gov.uk/science/surveillance/fsisbranch2006/fsis0306
New Food Standards Agency surveys show pollutant levels in fish continuing to fall Read the press release http://www.food.gov.uk/news/pressreleases/2006/feb/fishsurveys
More advice from www.eatwell.gov.uk
Fish and shellfish
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/nutritionessentials/fishandshellfish/
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http://www.food.gov.uk/news/pressreleases/2006/feb/fishsurveys
New Food Standards Agency surveys show pollutant levels in fish continuing to fall
Friday 17 February 2006
Ref: R1224 - 38
The most comprehensive surveys of fish eaten in the UK show that levels of pollutants (dioxins and PCBs) in most fish are continuing to fall. The findings reinforce the Agency's advice that most people should eat more fish.
The latest surveys report on the levels of dioxins, PCBs, and similar brominated compounds in over 40 species of fish and shellfish. The findings were assessed at a meeting this week (14 February 2006) of the group of independent scientific experts, the Committee on Toxicity (COT) that advises the Agency. Their opinion on the new data reaffirmed the Agency's current advice to consumers on the benefits of eating fish.
Long-standing public health advice continues to be that consumers should eat at least two portions of fish a week, and that one should be an oily fish. There is good evidence that eating oily fish can help keep our hearts healthy and reduces the risk of heart disease. On average, people in the UK eat only a third of a portion of oily fish a week. In any week, seven out of ten don't eat any oily fish at all.
The Agency has specific advice for particular groups of people, as well as those who eat a lot of fish. This has been updated following this survey to take into account the levels of pollutants found in crab and five species of white fish. (See notes to
editors.)
Dr Andrew Wadge, FSA Director of Food Safety, said: 'The results of these surveys are good news. We don't eat enough fish in Britain and we should be eating more. Eating fish is a good way to get protein and some essential vitamins and minerals, and oily fish, for example salmon, sardines and mackerel, also give added protection against heart disease.
'The survey has shown that some people who eat a lot of fish may need to think about eating a wider variety of fish and we are updating our advice to reflect this. There is also specific advice for pregnant and breastfeeding women and other groups - but everyone should be aiming to eat at least two portions a week, including one of oily fish.'
Notes to editors
Detailed FSA fish advice
Oily fish
Girls of all ages and women who might have a baby one day - maximum two portions of oily fish a week
All other adults and boys - maximum four portions a week
Occasionally eating more than these guidelines will not be harmful. Dioxins and PCBs have no immediate effect on health, but can be harmful if they build up in our bodies over time and may pose some risk to the unborn baby. This build-up is why the advice is for all girls and women who might have a baby one day.
Other fish
The recent survey results have shown that some other fish and crab may also have similar levels of dioxins and PCBs as oily fish. These fish are:
sea bream
turbot
halibut
dog fish or huss
sea Bbass
Anyone who regularly eats a lot of fish should consider choosing a wider variety - as part of a balanced diet - eating less of these species, and more with lower levels of pollutants such as red snapper, haddock, coley or hake instead.
In addition, adults should have no more than one portion of swordfish, shark or marlin a week. Children under 16 should not eat these three species of fish or eat more two tuna steaks or four medium-size cans of tuna a week. This is because these fish contain high levels of mercury (see also similar advice for pregnant women).
Pregnant women
In addition to the advice above, pregnant women or women intending to become pregnant should not eat shark, swordfish and marlin. They should also limit the amount of tuna they eat to no more than two tuna steaks or four medium-size cans of tuna a week. This advice is because of the levels of mercury in these fish. At high levels mercury can harm a baby's developing nervous system.
Brominated chemicals in farmed and wild fish and shellfish and fish oil dietary supplements Read the Food Survey Information Sheet http://www.food.gov.uk/science/surveillance/fsisbranch2006/fsis0406
Dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in farmed and wild fish and shellfish Read the Food Survey Information Sheet http://www.food.gov.uk/science/surveillance/fsisbranch2006/fsis0306
More advice from www.eatwell.gov.uk
Fish and shellfish
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/nutritionessentials/fishandshellfish/
[ENDS]
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http://www.food.gov.uk/science/surveillance/fsisbranch2006/fsis0406
Brominated chemicals in farmed and wild fish and shellfish and fish oil dietary supplements
Friday 17 February 2006
Food Survey Information Sheet 04/06
In order to allow the dietary intake of brominated chemicals from fish and fisheries products to be estimated, composite samples of 48 species of farmed and wild fish and shellfish consumed in the UK, together with ten samples of fish oil dietary supplements, were analysed for brominated dioxins, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs).
Some of the flame retardants were detected in all of the fish species analysed, with the highest concentrations generally being found in dogfish, eels and sprats. Other compounds were detected less frequently or not at all. The results are considered to be of low concern for health and do not affect the Agency's current advice on fish consumption.
Key facts
This work was carried out following an increasing number of reports of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and occasional reports of brominated dioxins being found in fish.
Brominated dioxins, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and BFRs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBP-A) were analysed in composite samples of 48 fish and shellfish and 10 samples of fish oil dietary supplements. These included farmed and wild oily fish and white fish, shellfish, canned fish and fish paste, and supplements based on cod liver, halibut liver, shark liver, salmon and tuna oils.
Certain PBDEs were present in most or all of the samples analysed, the most abundant congeners being PBDEs 28, 47, 49, 66, 99, 100, 153 and 154. HBCDs and PBBs were detected less frequently (alpha-HBCD being the most abundant) and brominated dioxins only occasionally. TBBP-A was not found above the limit of detection in any samples.
Based on the results of this survey, the independent expert Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment concluded that the estimated exposure to brominated compounds by consumers following the Food Standards Agency's advice on fish consumption was unlikely to represent a risk to health and there was no need for the Agency to amend its advice on fish consumption.
FSIS 04/06: Brominated chemicals in farmed and wild fish and shellfish and fish oil dietary supplements Read the Food Survey Information Sheet (pdf file 160kb) http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/fsis0406.pdf
END
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http://www.food.gov.uk/science/surveillance/fsisbranch2006/fsis0306
Dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in farmed and wild fish and shellfish
Friday 17 February 2006
Food Survey Information Sheet 03/06
In order to allow a robust dietary intake of dioxins and PCBs from fish to be estimated, composite samples of 47 species of farmed and wild fish and shellfish consumed in the UK were analysed for dioxins and PCBs. Individual samples were also tested to establish concentration ranges in five species. Dioxins and PCBs were detected at low concentrations in all samples, with slightly higher concentrations generally being found in oily than in non-oily fish.
Where comparisons are possible, concentrations are generally lower than found in previous surveys. Only one individual sample from the 158 analysed exceeded the regulatory limit for dioxins in fish. Based on the results of this survey, the Agency's advice on the consumption of oily fish remains unchanged.
Key facts
Dioxins and PCBs were analysed in 47 composite samples made up from 30 or 60 individual samples of single species of fish and shellfish, and additionally in up to 30 individual samples each of mackerel, herring, wild and farmed salmon and farmed trout.
Dioxins and PCBs were found at low concentrations in all of the samples analysed. Total TEQ concentrations were in the range 0.02 - 9.5 ng WHO-TEQ/kg fresh weight, with the exception of one sample of mackerel that contained a level of 28 ng WHO-TEQ/kg fresh weight.
A new limit for the combination of dioxins plus dioxin-like PCBs and a new action level for dioxin-like PCBs in fish have been agreed since the samples were obtained. One herring contained a total TEQ concentration above the new limit for dioxins plus dioxin-like PCBs, while one herring, one mackerel and the composite sardines/pilchards samples contained concentrations of dioxin-like PCBs that were above the new EC action level.
There were no significant differences between the levels of dioxins in wild and farmed salmon, but the levels of dioxin-like PCBs, and therefore of total TEQs, were higher in the latter. Organic salmon and trout had similar dioxin and dioxin-like PCB concentrations to the conventionally farmed fish.
Where a comparison was possible, concentrations were generally found to have fallen since previous surveys.
Based on the results of this survey, the Agency's advice on the consumption of oily fish remains unchanged. Consumers should eat at least two portions of fish per week, one of which should be oily. Girls and women who may have a baby one day are advised to limit their consumption of oily fish to two portions per week while all other consumers are advised to limit their consumption of oily fish to four portions per week.
As some non-oily fish species contain higher levels of dioxins and PCBs than others, people who eat a lot of fish should vary the species of fish they eat.
FSIS 03/06: Dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in farmed and wild fish and shellfish Read the Food Survey Information Sheet (pdf file 255kb) http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/foodsurvey0306.pdf
end
The above information was sent to you by:
Jack Cooper
Food Industry Environmental Network, LLC (FIEN - see http://www.fien.com), a regulatory and policy e-mail update service for food companies, food industry trade associations, professional societies, food and ag departments of universities and colleges, government offices, and consulting and law firms, operated as Partners by:
Jack L. Cooper
Food Industry Environmental Network, LLC
33 Falling Creek Court, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904
Phone: 301 384 8287 --- Fax: 301 384 8340 --- E- Mail: JLC@fien.com and Cindy Roberts Food Industry Environmental Network, LLC 1464 Harvard St. NW, Suite 14 Washington, DC 20009-4610
Phone: 202 669 6951 --- Fax: 202 265 0814 --- E-Mail: CAR@fien.com
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