Whether enjoyed on buttered toast or as an aperitif, smoked salmon delights the palate. Yet caution is warranted. The latest annual survey by 60 Million Consumers magazine reveals that certain supermarket smoked salmon and trout products may pose health risks. Experts analyzed 15 smoked salmon and 15 smoked trout varieties.
Testing for three heavy metals—cadmium, lead, and mercury—in the 30 samples detected only trace mercury in some, virtually undetectable in a 40g slice. Reassuringly, none contained harmful antiparasitic substances.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—byproducts of smoking, with some classified as carcinogenic—proved more troubling. Casino Délices Label Rouge smoked salmon, Odyssée smoked salmon, and Carrefour Bio smoked trout showed elevated levels. Alarmingly, Casino Délices Label Rouge exceeded limits at 17 µg/kg of benzo[a]pyrene, far above the 2 µg/kg threshold.
This holiday favorite often packs excess salt, as highlighted by 60 Million Consumers. A typical slice covers about one-quarter of the World Health Organization's (WHO) daily salt recommendation. La Vie Claire organic smoked salmon topped the list at 1.36 grams per slice.
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