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Mercury, this silver-colored heavy metal, was once present in thermometers. For 26 years, these models have been banned. And for good reason: mercury is classified among the 10 substances of greatest concern in the world according to the WHO (World Health Organization). Unfortunately, fish contain more and more of it. Mercury is particularly dangerous for fetuses. It can impair the development of memory, language, vision… Overexposure to this metal in adults can lead to tremors, insomnia, motor disorders… Even if only large quantities lead to such scenarios.
In addition, other substances, such as pesticides, are found in fish. Despite everything, it is recommended to eat it once or twice a week. Its consumption not only contributes to preventing cardiovascular diseases, but also to developing and maintaining a healthy nervous system thanks to its content of iodine and omega-3 fatty acids. These are mainly found in fatty fish. But it is precisely in fats that pollutants are housed. So how to do it? When it comes to food, the key word remains variety. Incorporating a lean fish and an oily fish (rich in omega-3, but also in contaminants) into your weekly menu constitutes an intermediate solution. As long as you alternate the species and limit the consumption of predatory fish, such as tuna, sea bass, sea bream, swordfish, etc.
An always welcome source of iodine
Because they consume fish which have themselves fed on fellow fish. Thus, the contaminant content increases, as explained by Alfred Bernard, toxicologist at UCLouvain. “Mercury concentrates in food chains and becomes more toxic as it transforms from a metal to an organic compound. Concretely, it is more easily assimilated by the body and passes through the placental barrier, before reaching the fetus. And the same goes for the brain. But you have to continue to eat it, because Belgians are generally deficient in iodine.” Consequently, pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children should avoid these predators as much as possible. This also applies to freshwater fish, such as burbot, which probe the depths of lakes and rivers for food. Thus, they ingest slime which contains large quantities of pollutants. But the smallest fish also have disadvantages according to Alfred Bernard: “We eat them entirely, storage organs (which contain contaminants) included. This is also the case for oysters or mussels, which filter the water.”
Two fish, two measures
Tuna is the most consumed fish in Europe. It is one of the most contaminated, yet it is subject to the least strict standards. For its congeners, we tolerate 0.3 mg of mercury/kg, compared to 1 mg of mercury/kg for tuna. A laxity which would serve to protect the economic interests of this sector, to the detriment of consumer protection. But the NGOs Bloom and Foodwatch are counterattacking. They are calling for the removal of contaminated fish, but above all the establishment of stricter regulations and increased controls. They also call for a ban on tuna in sensitive places, such as rest homes and maternity wards.
Choose your species
Certain areas are particularly affected by pollution. This is particularly the case for the North Atlantic, where cod generally comes from, and the Baltic Sea. In general, choose fish from European fishing, which is more regulated than elsewhere. Between farmed and wild fish, it’s on a case by case basis. If you opt for a wild specimen, make sure it does not come from the Baltic Sea or the North Atlantic. If possible, choose those labeled “guaranteed artisanal fishing”, rather than “MSC” or “ASC” (both contested).
Out of stock
We are eating more fish than ever. On average, a person consumes 19 kg of fish per year, twice as much as 50 years ago. A raid which takes away from the available stock. Globally, more than a third of fish are overfished, a figure that rises to 93% in the Mediterranean. A situation which is worsening with population growth. Some see aquaculture as a miracle solution. But farmed fish are fed wild fish, and farms, often sources of pollution, become centers of diseases sometimes contaminating species in the natural environment. For a sustainable choice, consult the WWF guide and favor fish caught by line, net or trap.
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