Metal Residues in Farm‐Raised Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, and Red Swamp Crayfish from the Southern U.S.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Farm‐raised channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) were collected from production and processing sites across the southern U.S. and analyzed for barium, cadmium, copper, chromium, silver, lead, arsenic, selenium, and mercury. Average metal residues were much lower than recommended safety limits. Residues of barium, copper, and mercury were slightly higher in crayfish than catfish or trout. Selenium was higher in crayfish and trout than catfish, and lead was higher in catfish and trout than crayfish. Residues of mercury in all samples were much lower than the FDA's Action Limit (1 ppm) for mercury in the edible tissue of fish.