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Deterministic Pilot Risk-Benefit Assessment of Latvian Inland Fish: Safe Weekly Consumption Guidance
Janis Rusko1, Elizabete Murniece1, Santa Sibule1
1Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes Street 3, LV-1076 Riga, Latvia.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 14, 2026
Summary
This study assessed risks and benefits of eating Latvian lake fish. Mercury and PFAS contaminants limit safe fish consumption, but nutritional benefits like EPA + DHA are significant.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Food Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Fish consumption offers vital nutrients but poses risks from bioaccumulative contaminants like mercury and PFAS.
- Developing integrated guidance for safe fish consumption is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a pilot risk-benefit assessment of Latvian inland lake fish.
- To develop a framework for species- and lake-specific fish consumption guidance.
Main Methods:
- Deterministic risk-benefit assessment using pooled fish samples stratified by lake and species.
- Quantified risks from methylmercury and Σ4 PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS).
- Quantified nutritional benefits (EPA + DHA, iodine, protein) and calculated a benefit-risk quotient (BRQ).
Main Results:
- Mercury was the primary contaminant limiting safe consumption for most predatory fish.
- PFAS restricted consumption for some species with lower mercury levels.
- EPA + DHA offered the most significant nutritional benefit, varying by fish group.
Conclusions:
- The pilot study demonstrates a viable framework for tailored fish consumption advice.
- This approach integrates contaminant risks with nutritional benefits.
- Expanded monitoring can refine and update consumption guidance.
