Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Mercury in Smoked Catfish: A Case Study

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and mercury were investigated in smoked catfish illegally sold and confiscated by Italian authorities in Turin (North-western Italy). The mean benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) concentration was 73 ± 11 μg kg−1 and the total mean PAH concentration (ΣPAH) was 243 ± 38 μg kg−1, both exceeding the EU maximum limits (2.0 and 12 μg/kg) set in muscle of smoked fish and fishery products. Mercury was recovered at 0.59 ± 0.09 mg kg−1 d.w. Poor smoking treatment performed in street food by ethnic minorities can expose these groups of population to serious health risks. PAH food contamination poses particular concern for the populations who traditionally consume these products, such as African communities. There is an urgent need to take appropriate action and raise awareness of risk among exposed population.