EFSA recommends a maximum of 4 servings of fish per week

Fish can naturally contain high levels of methylmercury. High exposure to methylmercury is associated with serious health problems. The European Commission has therefore lowered the maximum levels of mercury and methylmercury in fish. In addition, member states must start monitoring the presence of mercury and methylmercury in fish in the coming years.

Mercury is converted in the water to methylmercury, among other compounds. This then enters fish through the food chain. Methylmercury in fish is easily absorbed by the body. In 2012, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-examined the presence of mercury and methylmercury in various foods. This report shows that exposure to methylmercury is of particular concern. Consumers who eat a lot of fish, including pregnant women, could exceed the permissible weekly intake as much as six times.

1-4 servings of fish per week

To provide balanced advice, EFSA also examined the health benefits of consuming fish products in 2014. Consumption of about one to two servings of fish per week, or three to four servings per week during pregnancy, was associated with better neurodevelopment in children and lower mortality from heart disease in adults. No additional benefits were seen at higher intakes. EFSA therefore concluded that consumption of fishery products high in mercury should be limited to one to four servings per week. This would maintain the benefits of fish consumption while protecting consumers from the neurodevelopmental toxicity of methylmercury.

Lowering maximum levels

Based on both EFSA reports, the European Commission concluded that the maximum levels for mercury needed to be revised to further reduce dietary exposure to mercury. The maximum levels for mercury in various fish species were therefore reduced by Regulation No. 2022/617. The new maximum levels can be found in Regulation No. 1881/2006. Foodstuffs lawfully placed on the market before the entry into force of this regulation may remain on the market until their date of minimum durability or use-by date.

Monitoring and consumption advice

Member states have also been asked to monitor the presence of methylmercury and the total presence of mercury in fish, crustaceans and mollusks from 2022 to 2025. Member states should report on this regularly. In this way, the European Commission hopes to obtain sufficient data on the impact of reduced maximum levels on mercury exposure. In addition, member states should prepare specific consumption advice for consumers. This advice should be highlighted on an ongoing basis. On the basis of this data, it can be assessed whether it would be appropriate to revise again the maximum level for mercury in certain fish species.