Chemical contaminants are often widely found in the marine environment, either occurring naturally (such as arsenic, cadmium or mercury) or through anthropogenic sources (such as lead, and Agricultural/Veterinary chemicals). They have the ability to accumulate in seafood grown in areas where they are present in high concentrations. The consumption of seafood with high levels of these compounds has the potential to cause chronic human health conditions.

Due to advancing toxicological evidence on contaminants, international regulations continue to become more restrictive with the reducing or tightening of certain MRLs and MLs being seen. Recently we have also had recalls as a result of cadmium detection in rock lobsters exported to China and isoeugenol residues detected in eels sent to Korea. Contaminants have also caused a number of national incidents, including metal contamination from dredging in QLD, contamination of water from lead smelter operations in SA, and detection of metals in TAS heritage and commercial waters. SafeFish has been actively working on a project to assess and understand if our current knowledge base is vast enough to respond to risk and potential incidents in the market relating to contaminants in seafood.

Current Activities

To date, SafeFish has conducted the following activities to assist with this:

      • A review of all available testing data on chemical contaminants in seafood (metals and Ag/Vet chemicals) has been conducted to identify gaps and/or deficiencies.
      • A workshop with relevant stakeholders was convened in Oct 2023 to review the data collated and identify priority areas where additional work would be beneficial.
      • An independent review of the residue testing arrangements for exported Australian seafood was conducted in 2025 to ensure that what is available is fit for purpose, reflects industry needs and continues to support market confidence.

Independent Review of Contaminant Monitoring Systems for Exported Australian Seafood

Fish Beatty Consultancy in partnership with Honey & Fox was contracted by SafeFish to conduct a review in 2025. They examined the residue testing systems in place for exported Australian seafood, investigated the National Residue Survey (NRS) program including looking at the legislative and market-access drivers, and comparing Australia’s approach with similar international programs. They also provided suggestions of options for future improvements/enhancements. Throughout the course of the review, the consultants engaged with key stakeholders to capture their needs, expectations, and concerns and developed the following outputs: