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MEASURING METHYLMERCURY: PROACTIVE
RESEARCH TO PROTECT MARKET ACCESS
It’s no secret that fish harvested
from New Zealand waters is both
delicious and a rich source of
nutrition. However, while we have
a good understanding of the levels
of total mercury, in our fin-fish
species, we don’t know how
much of that is the contaminant
methylmercury (MeHg+), which
can present a risk to human
health. That’s about to change,
with researchers at Cawthron
Institute working to get the facts
on methylmercury concentration in
New Zealand fish species.
Methylmercury contamination in
fish is a well-established issue
around the world. To mitigate
health risks, regulators around
the world set guidelines and
import standards. New Zealand
Food Safety (NZFS) is currently
considering their settings around
methylmercury in fish.
“Regulation setting has traditionally
only had access to results for
total mercury, but we know
from previous research the toxic
methylmercury proportion of
total mercury can be as low as
60% in some fish. That’s why it’s
important to get the facts around
concentrations in our species,”
says NZFS food risk assessment
manager Dr Andrew Pearson.
The research project is centred
around two certified-sustainable,
New Zealand export species;
ling and orange roughy. As
methylmercury is known to bioaccumulate
in older predator fish,
four other species; barracouta,
gemfish, smooth oreo, and black
oreo, have also been selected
for inclusion in the survey. Fish
samples for the survey are being
collected around the country
to ensure good geographic
distribution.
Cawthron analytical science
technical officer Geoff Miles led the
development of the method that is
now being used to analyse around
300 fish samples. “This research
will provide specific species
data and results will be entered
into a World Health Organisation
database, making it widely
available to assist importers and
exporters.”
Seafood New Zealand seafood
standards manager Cathy Webb
says it’s a natural next step for the
industry.
“We’ll benefit from better
information about the proportion
of methylmercury in our fish,
rather than relying on total
mercury. Having the ability to test
for methylmercury here in New
Zealand means we can respond
quickly should regulators need
more information.”
Looking to the future, this
proactive research will help ensure
international market access and
confidence in New Zealand’s
quality seafood sector.
There’s more to your food,
our science can reveal it.
Cawthron delivers industry leading analytical testing,
reliable results and market changing insight.
• Method development & validation team
• IANZ (ISO) accreditation
• GMP certified for Nutraceuticals
• Label claims
• Food safety
• Export certification
www.cawthron.org.nz
lab@cawthron.org.nz
FT414
52 ANNUAL DIRECTORY 2020
/www.cawthron.org.nz
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