Are you someone who enjoys the taste and health benefits of salmon? If so, you might want to be aware of toxic man-made compounds known as PFAS in farmed Atlantic salmon. These compounds have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer, thyroid disease, and high cholesterol.
While the US government has not established a safe level for PFAS in food, recent studies have found that 80% of tested salmon from Chile, Canada, and Norway were contaminated with PFAS. It’s important to understand that PFAS contamination can enter the food supply through contaminated water, soil, and air, which means that even if you buy farmed salmon from a trusted source, it may still contain harmful levels of PFAS.
This article will explore the health risks of consuming Atlantic salmon contaminated with PFAS and provide recommendations for consumers to avoid exposure to these harmful compounds. So, if you are a salmon lover, read on to learn how to protect yourself and your health.
Key Takeaways
- PFAS, toxic manmade compounds known as ‘forever chemicals’, are linked to health problems such as cancer, thyroid disease, and high cholesterol and can enter the food supply through contaminated water, soil, and air.
- Farmed Atlantic salmon from Chile, Canada, and Norway have been found to contain PFAS, with 80% of tested salmon showing contamination ranging from non-detect to 45 parts per trillion.
- While the FDA did not provide clear guidance on the implications for consumers, the Maine CDC has established safe limits for PFAS in fish, and the highest detected concentration of PFAS in salmon is below this limit.
- Consumers can limit their exposure to PFAS by avoiding certain types of fish, particularly top-of-the-food-chain fish, filter-feeders, and fast foods wrapped in PFAS-containing packaging, and educating themselves on how foods can become contaminated.
What are PFAS?
You may already know that PFAS are toxic, manmade compounds known as ‘forever chemicals’ that accumulate in the human body and pose health risks, but do you know what PFAS are?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals used in various industries since the 1940s due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil. PFAS are commonly found in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpets, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam.
PFAS toxicity is a growing concern due to their persistence and widespread contamination of the environment, including water, soil, and air. PFAS enter the food supply chain through contaminated water and soil and can accumulate in fish, meat, and dairy products. Other sources of contamination include food packaging, such as pizza boxes and microwave popcorn bags.
Studies have linked PFAS exposure to various health problems, including cancer, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, and immune system dysfunction. As there’s no established safe level for PFAS in food, it’s important to be aware of potential contamination sources and limit exposure as much as possible.
PFAS in Farmed Salmon
Avoiding farmed salmon from certain countries may help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals in many of these fish. Recent testing by the FDA found PFAS in salmon from Chile, Canada, and Norway, with 80% of tested salmon showing contamination.
PFAS are toxic, manmade compounds known as ‘forever chemicals’ that accumulate in the human body and pose health risks, including cancer, thyroid disease, and high cholesterol. While the highest detected concentration of PFAS in salmon is below Maine CDC’s safe limit, there is no safe level for PFAS in food established by the US government, so consumption of Atlantic salmon should be limited.
In addition to the health risks associated with PFAS contamination in farmed salmon, there is also concern about the environmental impact of fish farming. Farmed salmon can contribute to water pollution, the spread of disease to wild fish populations, and the depletion of wild fish stocks used for feed.
Consumers can educate themselves on which products contain PFAS and how foods can become contaminated, as well as check for additional testing data on their favorite type of salmon. To reduce exposure to PFAS, consumers can also avoid top-of-the-food chain fish, filter-feeders, microwave popcorn, and foods packaged in PFAS-containing materials and limit fast foods that come in grease-resistant packaging when eating out.
Risks and Recommendations for Consumers
To stay informed about the potential dangers of consuming fish contaminated with PFAS, it’s important to regularly check for advisories and updates on PFAS exposure in the food supply.
The FDA hasn’t provided clear guidance on what the information means to consumers, but the Maine CDC has developed a guide for safe limits of PFAS in fish.
It’s recommended that consumers avoid farmed salmon from Chile, Canada, and Norway, as these countries have been found to have PFAS contamination in their salmon.
In addition, consumers should educate themselves on which products contain PFAS and how foods can become contaminated.
It’s also important to be vigilant about food-related risks associated with PFAS contamination and to check for additional testing data on your favorite type of salmon.
By staying informed and limiting your exposure to PFAS, you can help protect your health and minimize your risk of potential health problems related to PFAS contamination in the food supply.
Conclusion
In conclusion, consuming Atlantic salmon contaminated with PFAS can pose significant health risks, including cancer, thyroid disease, and high cholesterol.
While the US government hasn’t established a safe level for PFAS in food, the FDA’s findings show that most tested salmon from Chile, Canada, and Norway contain these toxic compounds.
To avoid exposure, consumers can choose wild-caught salmon or plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts.
It’s essential to advocate for stricter regulations and testing of farmed salmon to ensure the safety of our food supply and protect public health.
Remember to stay informed and make informed choices regarding your food to protect your health and well-being.
