John Myers
Pesticides in salmon – sounds worrying. But is it? One thing is clear: there is a limit for meat – but not for fish.
What is ethoxyquin?
Ethoxyquin is mainly found in animal feed and is often added to fishmeal. This increases safety during storage and transport – otherwise the flour could become airborne. In addition, the “rancidity” of the fats in the feed is prevented. The addition of the feed additive is even mandatory when transporting fishmeal by sea freight.
Is ethoxyquin harmful to health?
In experiments with rats and dogs, it was found that the intake of 200 mg/kg in rodents and 10 mg/kg in dogs resulted in degenerative and pathological changes in the body. The liver, thyroid and kidneys were affected. In addition, dehydration and reduced feed intake were observed in the animals.
From this, scientists conclude that oral intake of a larger amount of ethoxyquin could also be correspondingly hazardous to human health.
Can ethoxyquin get to humans via salmon?
The fat-soluble ethoxyquin can get into the fish from the fish food and be stored there in the fat. Thus, humans can also absorb ethoxyquin when eating fish.
Ethoxyquin limits
The maximum residue level for ethoxyquin has been regulated in the EU for many plant products and some products of animal origin.
MRL:
- For pork, beef and poultry: 50 µg/kg
- There is no maximum residue limit for fish!
Legal situation
According to EC regulations, ethoxyquin is classified as acutely toxic (oral) and harmful if swallowed.
Since 2011, ethoxyquin can no longer be used as a plant protection product in the EU.
Since June 28, 2017, the approval of ethoxyquin (implementing regulation EC 2017/962) as an additive in feed for all animal species has been suspended, as there could be a potential risk for humans, animals and the environment. Ethoxyquin should therefore be withdrawn from the market as soon as possible.
However, there are some exceptions that also apply to fish food. Fish feed therefore only has to be taken off the market by 2020 .
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