Metallic contamination in oyster and other seafood in Hong Kong

Heavy metal contamination in seafood is of great concern in places suffering from pollution. A survey has been carried out since 1986 to monitor the contents of seven heavy metals: antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury and tin in oyster and other types of seafood. The daily intakes were estimated and compared to the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) or maximum acceptable daily load recommended by FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (1984). In general, the levels were low and left comfortable margins to both the acceptable limits and the local regulatory levels with the exception of arsenic, the average intake of which was close to the PTWI.