Category: Seafood safety

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), cod is categorized as a "Best Choice" for consumption because of its low mercury content. This means that, contrary to some myths, cod does not have a high level of mercury and can be safely enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

While barracuda is a popular food in many tropical regions, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against eating it due to the potential for ciguatera fish poisoning. This serious foodborne illness is caused by ciguatoxins that accumulate in the fish's flesh. Understanding the risks of eating barracuda is crucial for your health.

Did you know that Safe Catch tests every single tuna for mercury, with limits 10 to 25 times stricter than FDA standards? This process provides a clearer answer to how many cans of safe catch tuna can you eat a week compared to conventional brands, though moderation remains a key factor for overall health.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), raw shrimp should be avoided due to the inherent risk of parasites and foodborne illness. This fact immediately addresses the central question: yes, it is possible that do wild caught shrimp have parasites, just like other wild seafood. The key to safety lies in proper handling and preparation.

Several crab species contain lethal toxins, making them unsafe to eat. According to the Western Australian Museum, certain crabs contain neurotoxins that can be fatal. Identifying which crab is not safe to-eat is critical for safety.

Globally, millions enjoy flying fish or its roe, known as tobiko, but like all seafood, it carries potential risks for some consumers. While generally safe and nutritious, it can cause allergic reactions, foodborne illness, and other issues related to its high sodium or mercury content.

While celebrated as a 'superfood' packed with protein and omega-3s, eating too many mussels can pose health risks. As filter feeders, mussels can accumulate toxins and contaminants from their environment, which can lead to various forms of shellfish poisoning if consumed in excess or when harvested from unsafe waters.

Over 100 million sharks are killed annually, yet the question remains: is shark good for humans to eat? As apex predators, sharks accumulate high levels of heavy metals like mercury, presenting significant health dangers to anyone who consumes them.

According to a study on sharks in Belize, nurse sharks recorded some of the highest muscle mercury levels among the species tested. This is not surprising, as their position as apex predators makes them a prime candidate for accumulating toxic heavy metals.

A 2016 study in Southwest Florida found that blacktip sharks had alarmingly high concentrations of mercury, with some individuals showing levels up to 4.52 mg/kg. This evidence directly addresses the question, 'Is blacktip shark high in mercury?' and highlights the significant health concerns for consumers.