LEVELS OF HEAVY METALS IN ITALIAN MARKETED CANNED TUNA

Fish products are essential and irreplaceable components of human diet; nevertheless, they could result in a risk to the health of consumers due to the potential content of some xenobiotics such as heavy metals and persistent organic contaminants (Debeka et al., 2004; Storelli et al., 2005). Constant control network and surveys are valuable tools in order to prevent such risk and to ensure product quality and consumers??? safety. The aim of the current study was to measure the levels of some heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd) in samples of marked canned tuna in olive oil. The results showed that levels of Cd and Hg were always within the law limits and, in many samples, below the detection limit. Pb was found in concentrations exceeding the law limits in 9.8% of the analyzed samples. In conclusion, the results of the current study, quite reassuring in terms of food safety, highlighted the need to constantly monitor the levels of some chemical contaminants in fish products such as heavy metals that might endanger the health of the consumers.