Climate-mediated food safety hazards of aquaculture

Aquaculture has rapidly expanded as a critical source of global food production, contributing significantly to nutrition and livelihoods. However, climate change poses substantial challenges to aquaculture, particularly in terms of food safety. This review synthesizes the literature on the impact of climate-mediated environmental changes on food safety hazards in aquaculture, focusing on biological and chemical contaminants. Rising temperatures, altered salinity, and extreme weather are amplifying the proliferation of pathogens such as Vibrio spp., algal biotoxins, and chemical pollutants like heavy metals and microplastics. These changes jeopardize the safety and sustainability of aquaculture products, especially in climate-vulnerable regions. Our findings highlight the urgent need for adaptive strategies to mitigate these risks, including enhanced monitoring, climate-smart aquaculture practices, and regulatory interventions. By examining the intricate relationship between climate change and food safety, this review calls for a comprehensive approach to safeguard human health and ecosystem resilience, ensuring that aquaculture can meet the demands of a growing global population.