High Iodine and pollutant concentrations in Sushi sheets

In Asian cuisine, often seaweed sheets are used, and also in Germany, the consumption is increasing. The Federal office for consumer protection and food safety (BVL) has pointed out now in a press release that – as in a study five years earlier – the content of Iodine, Cadmium and other harmful substances in some samples is very high.

Some marine algae accumulate heavy metals and other pollutants In 165 samples Cadmium, lead and arsenic were detected in high concentrations. So every tenth sample exceeded the Cadmium permissible limit of three milligram per kilogram of dry mass. In a similar number of high lead concentrations were measured between one and ten milligrams per kilogram of dry mass, wherein the determining of a limit value for lead currently is being advised.

Body came-bound arsenic, whose health has not been studied risk yet sufficient, with 25 mg/kg in high quantities. The proven toxic inorganic arsenic was detected only in very low concentrations. Aluminum, uranium, and various trace elements, the researchers also found, however, in amounts, none of which represent a hazard to health.

More than 75 percent of the algae samples had a high iodine content of more than 20 mg/kg, which according to the applicable food law, a warning is required. This was however not the case in eight percent of cases. The BVL advises consumers to only buy seaweed products, with clear information on the iodine content and to the maximum dosage, because excessive iodine intake can lead to disturbance of thyroid function.

ZOU