Embryotoxicity of chemical contaminants of foods

Abstract A brief review of a variety of contaminants that may occur in foodstuffs indicates that in the majority of cases embryotoxicity or teratogenicity are toxic hazards unlikely to arise in practice as a result of such contamination. The major possible exception is mercury especially methylmercury, on which further data are being obtained. Meanwhile mercury intake should be restricted, and this is being done where possible, at least as far as the Canadian diet is concerned. Finally, further data are required on the effect of polychlorinated biphenyls on mammalian foetal development. The probability of hazard is at present regarded as being low, but insufficient information is available to make an accurate assessment.