Mercury in takeaway fish in New Zealand

Analysis of samples of takeaway fish cooked in batter collected in 1977 showed mercury concentrations in the fish flesh up to 4.4 micrograms/g; the highest concentrations were found in shark. The overall mean value found for the south Auckland areas was 0.72 microgram/g. At this level, the WHO provisional tolerable mercury intake for an adult would be supplied by approximately one mean (two pieces) per day of takeaway fish. Children eating similar sized meals would attain the tolerable mercury intake with one meal every second day.