Occurrence and Characterization of Residues and Contaminants in Shrimp and Fish Samples from Aquaculture and Wild Capture in Brazil

Abstract

The consumption of fish is a regular dietary habit among Brazilians, as it represents a significant protein source for the population. However, the emerging presence of residues and contaminants in fish meat has proven to be a substantial public health risk, contributing to cases of human intoxication and resulting in irreversible damage, including gastrointestinal, neurological, and endocrine disorders. This study aimed to conduct a retrospective analysis based on data retrieved from reports published on the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) over the past 14 years. The objective was to evaluate the occurrence and characterization of contaminants in shrimp and fish from aquaculture and wild capture in Brazil. The analyzed documents comprised results from the National Residues and Contaminants Plan (PNCRC/Animal) between 2010 and 2023. Residues were monitored according to criteria such as toxicity levels and population exposure potential. Over the 13 years of monitoring under the PNCRC, more than 12,000 samples were analyzed. Non-compliance was identified in 189 samples, distributed among the following classes of substances: inorganic contaminants, antibiotics, dyes, and insecticides. The class of inorganic contaminants accounted for the highest percentage of violations among non-compliant samples, representing approximately 90% of the cases. These findings underscore the importance of the PNCRC/Animal in ensuring the availability of safe food for the Brazilian population while mitigating the harmful impacts on human health.