Food Safety Focus (51st Issue, October 2010) – Food Incident Highlight
Mercury in Black Cod and Swordfish
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) released the findings of its Food Safety Report for July which found excessive mercury in frozen black cod and chilled swordfish samples. Immediately after obtaining the results, the CFS conducted source-tracing. Warning letters were issued to the traders of the black cod. The whole consignment of the swordfish, which was imported from the Philippines , was destroyed and did not enter the market. The CFS has informed the relevant authority of the country of origin and continued to conduct further testing.
Fish contains many essential nutrients for growth and development such as omega-3 fatty acids and high quality proteins. The public is advised to consume a variety of fish and maintain a balanced diet. Since excessive intake of mercury can affect the developing nervous system, pregnant women, women planning pregnancy and young children should avoid large predatory fish such as black cod and swordfish to reduce the risk.