49I-14 |
|
S.-M. SHIM1, L. Dorworth2, J. A. Lasrado1, and C. R. Santerre1. (1) Dept. of Foods & Nutrition, Purdue Univ., 700W State Street, Stone Hall, G43, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1264, (2) Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program, Purdue University, Aquatic Ecologist Specialist, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program, Purdue-Calumet, Hammond, IN 76323-2094 Canned tuna accounts for 22.5% of U.S. seafood consumption. It is a good source of protein and has varying amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. However, it is known to contain methlymercury, which increases the risk for development delays in infants. The objective of study was to determine levels of mercury and fatty acids in commercial fish. Canned tuna (n=240), canned salmon (n=16), and canned mackerel (n=16) were purchased from local stores and homogenized prior to analysis. Mercury residues were measured by Thermal Decomposition (Gold) Amalgamation-Atomic Absorption (TD-AAA). Fat was extracted by Folch method and analyzed for fatty acids using AOAC Official Method 991.39. Mean mercury concentration in tuna, salmon, and mackerel were 188, 45, and 55 ppb, respectively. None of the canned fish exceeded the FDA action (1000 ppb) for fresh fish and these data were comparable to those reported by the FDA (2001). Mercury residues in chunk light tuna in water were significantly (p<0.05) lower than that in chunk light tuna in oil and white albacore tuna. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) plus DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in white albacore tuna in water (901 mg/100 g wb) were higher than that in white albacore tuna in oil (239 mg/ 100g wb), chunk light tuna in water (288 mg/100 g wb), and chunk light tuna in oil (168 mg/ 100 g wb). EPA plus DHA in salmon and mackerel were 1623 and 851 mg per 100 g wb. For childbearing age women consuming canned tuna at the 99th percentile (35 g/d), some type of canned tuna provide up to 153% of the Reference Dose (RfD) for mercury (0.1 ug/kg-bw/d). Since canned tuna has varied mercury levels, the action level for canned tuna should be reduced to 200 ppb in order to protect childbearing age women and other at-risk populations.
Session 49I, Toxicology & Safety Evaluation: General
|