Published: Less than 2 hours ago
Swedish crayfish have high levels of dangerous PFAS chemicals.
But according to the Swedish Food Agency, there is no danger in feasting during crayfish season – on the contrary:
– You just have to take advantage of it and enjoy it, says toxicologist Sabina Litens Karlsson.
Three to six crayfish per week – you can’t eat more than that to meet the guideline for the amount of dangerous PFAS chemicals for an adult.
This is shown by the force test carried out by the research company Testfakta. They have analyzed eight brands of crayfish, fresh or deep-frozen, that are sold in Swedish stores.
– In practice, therefore, according to the guideline, you should not eat more than a handful of Swedish crayfish on the plate. It is a result that calls for reflection, says Torbjörn Synnerdahl, project manager at the Eurofins laboratory, in a press release.
PFAS is the collective name for a group of chemicals found in cosmetics, frying pans, rainwear and shoes, among other things. In some cases, they are also found in drinking water.
The chemicals have been linked to liver damage, thyroid disorders and weaker immune systems in children.
The expert: A few slices of crab, no danger
But Cancer lovers can rest easy. Sabina Litens Karlsson, toxicologist at the Swedish Food Agency, does not see that gluttony is in danger.
– This is a risk if you eat three to six crayfish every week throughout your life, she says.
– You eat crayfish two or three times a year, then you don’t eat it again. So just take it easy and enjoy.
According to Testfakta, the levels of PFAS are significantly higher in Swedish crayfish than in imported ones.
– Based on this test, it cannot be said that Swedish crayfish generally have higher levels. PFAS is an environmental problem all over the globe, says Sabina Litens Karlsson.
Fish is the main source of the chemicals.
– In order to take in as little as possible of these substances, it is good to vary your intake of fish and shellfish, both in terms of variety and origin.
Can be banned
The PFAS substances have not been in our nature for a very long time, not like dioxins and PCBs, explains Sabina Litens Karlsson. It’s hard to say where they come from – it varies from place to place.
– It could be that the emergency services have been to a location and put out fires with fire foam containing PFAS, or it could be emissions from industries.
There is a lot of work going on to regulate the PFAS substances. According to a proposal from the Swedish Food Agency, for example, the levels in drinking water should be greatly reduced, from 100 to 4 nanograms per litre.
– They are also in the process of getting a ban on the entire group of PFAS substances, so that releases to the environment will be reduced. A ban would be positive, I think.