31st October 2023 – (Hong Kong) The Centre for Food Safety (CFS), a division of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, has announced today that two loose-packed fish ball samples have been found to contain methylmercury, a metallic contaminant, at levels that may have violated the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations. The CFS is actively investigating these incidents.
A spokesperson for the CFS stated, “The CFS collected the aforementioned samples from two restaurants located in Mong Kok and North Point as part of our follow-up on previous relevant incidents. Test results indicated that each sample contained methylmercury at a concentration of 0.2 parts per million. The CFS conducted a risk assessment, which revealed that for groups vulnerable to methylmercury toxicity, such as pregnant women, the consumption of a high quantity of fish balls over an extended period may have adverse health effects.”
The spokesperson further stated that the CFS has informed the concerned restaurants regarding the irregularities and instructed them to cease the sale of the affected products. Prosecutions will be pursued if sufficient evidence is obtained.
“Methylmercury is the primary form of mercury found in fish. At high levels, mercury can impact fetal brain development and affect vision, hearing, muscle coordination, and memory in adults. Moreover, international organizations such as the World Health Organization have highlighted that the consumption of predatory fish species is the main source of mercury intake for human beings. The CFS’s Total Diet Study has also indicated that large fish or predatory species may contain elevated levels of mercury, including tuna, alfonsino, shark, swordfish, marlin, orange roughy, and king mackerel. Therefore, groups particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of mercury, such as pregnant women, women planning pregnancy, and young children, should opt for smaller fish varieties and avoid consuming the aforementioned types of fish to minimize excessive exposure to metal contaminants in food,” the spokesperson added.
Under the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap. 132V), any individual found selling food with metallic contamination in quantities deemed dangerous or harmful to health can face a maximum penalty of a $50,000 fine and six months’ imprisonment upon conviction.
FAQs
The CFS conducted a risk assessment, which revealed that for groups vulnerable to methylmercury toxicity, such as pregnant women, the consumption of a high quantity of fish balls over an extended period may have adverse health effects.”
Is it safe to eat fish every day with mercury? ›
However, for healthy adults (who are not pregnant) and older children (6 years and over), fish with high levels of mercury should not be eaten more than once a week.
Are Chinese fish balls healthy? ›
Fish balls are also a good source of vitamins and minerals. Fish is rich in Vitamin D, which is important for strong bones and a healthy immune system. It also contains minerals such as iodine and selenium, which are important for thyroid function and overall health.
Which fish has the most mercury? ›
What is mercury? Methylmercury is the type found in fish. The fish with the highest mercury levels include King mackerel, shark, swordfish, tuna, and tilefish and the five fish with the lowest mercury levels include sardines, salmon, cod, catfish, and tilapia.
What is the safest fish to eat? ›
To help you choose, below are seven of the healthiest fish to eat, according to experts.
- Sardines. “Sardines are one of the healthiest fish to eat because they're very high in omega-3s,” says Gomer. ...
- Mackerel. Mackerel is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, says Sauceda. ...
- Anchovies. ...
- Salmon. ...
- Herring. ...
- Trout. ...
- Tuna.
Some studies have also found higher rates of heart disease in men who had elevated mercury levels. It takes our bodies about 60 days to eliminate half of the mercury ingested, so fish with higher mercury concentrations should be eaten less frequently.
Is shrimp high in mercury? ›
Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Another commonly eaten fish, albacore ("white") tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna.
Can I eat fish balls during pregnancy? ›
Skip uncooked fish and shellfish.
To avoid harmful bacteria or viruses, don't eat fish and shellfish that has not been cooked.
Are fish eggs high in mercury? ›
Low in mercury
For this reason, fish roe like masago can be safely consumed by those who want to keep their mercury exposure to a minimum. Masago is high in important nutrients like protein, vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fats, which may offer various health benefits.
What is a fish ball made of? ›
Fish balls are the balls made from fish paste which are then boiled or deep-fried. Similar in composition to fishcake, fish balls are often made from fish mince or surimi, salt, and a culinary binder such as tapioca flour, corn, or potato starch.
Regulators report that fish sticks and fast-food fish sandwiches, which typically are made with pollock, are low in mercury. Cooking does not remove mercury from fish because the metal is bound to the meat. A piece of tuna will have the same amount of mercury whether it is eaten raw as sushi or cooked on the grill.
