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Evaluating Contaminants in Fish: Plastic Additives and Pesticides in the Context of Food Safety
Summary
This study analysed plastic additives (organophosphate esters) and pesticides in Atlantic Ocean fish sold at Portuguese supermarkets, finding these contaminants present in commercially consumed seafood. The work highlights how chemicals associated with plastic manufacturing can accumulate in fish and potentially reach people through their diet.
The World Health Organization reports that foodborne illnesses cause millions of disease cases globally, resulting in approximately 33 million lost healthy years of life. Over the past decade, global awareness of food safety grew significantly, highlighting various hazards from biological, chemical, and environmental factors in our food supply, including marine sources. Emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, plastic additives, and microplastics are concerning, with some remaining unregulated. Our work focused on analyzing plastic additives and pesticides in fish captured in the Atlantic Ocean and available in local Oporto supermarkets. We used QuEChERS extraction and gas chromatography for the analysis of organophosphate ester compounds in fish samples. Our goal is to ensure safe and healthy seafood, aligning with the principles of the blue economy and sustainable fisheries.