Survey of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in shellfish

The Food Standards Agency has carried out a survey for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in shellfish collected from coastal shellfish beds in England and Wales. PAH levels were measured in 72 samples of bivalve molluscs, comprising 7 cockle, 38 mussel, 15 native oyster, 8 Pacific oyster, 3 scallop and one clam. Compared with previous data (1995-6) the results show lower levels of PAHs in shellfish.

Overall, mean levels of PAHs are lower by between 40% and 80% and maximum levels by 60% to 98% since a survey in 1995-6.

For benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) the reported mean and maximum levels are lower (by over 60% and 90% respectively) since the previous survey was conducted. No samples were above 10 micrograms per kilogram, which was introduced as a limit for BaP in bivalve molluscs on 1 April 2005.

People's intake of PAHs from the consumption of shellfish at the levels found is at a level considered to be a low concern for human health.