Popular Panga Fish Exposed: Hidden Health Risks from Mercury Pollution

Fish are renowned for their essential nutrients, but certain types, including panga, harbor dangerous toxins. Despite its affordability, Professor Fernandez urges consumers to avoid panga entirely due to these health risks.

Panga, or iridescent shark, primarily hails from Vietnam's Mekong River, notorious for its pollution levels. Professor Fernandez from the Department of Toxicology urges consumers not to be swayed by its low cost. He emphasizes the risk of consuming pollutants, particularly hazardous for the more vulnerable populations, via panga.

Mercury's presence in panga raises significant health concerns. The World Health Organization has highlighted mercury concentrations in panga that surpass safety norms, especially in marinated forms. A 2018 "Chemosphere" journal article revealed mercury levels in some panga samples exceeding the European standard of 0.5 mg/kg, as per EC Regulation No 1881/2006.

Professor Fernandez advocates for stricter mercury content monitoring in panga, particularly marinated ones, to ensure compliance with EU standards and protect consumer health.