Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) have adopted maximum levels (MLs) for methylmercury in Tuna (1.2 mg/kg), Alfonsino (1.5 mg/kg), Marlin (1.7 mg/kg), Shark (1.6 mg/kg), Orange Roughy (0.8 mg/kg) and Pink Cusk-Eel (1.0mg/kg). No consensus could be reached on setting an appropriate ML for methylmercury in Swordfish, and Codex agreed to discontinue the development of MLs for methylmercury in all other fish species due to low levels of methylmercury or insufficient data.
Maximum levels were set based on the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle. However, when Codex established the ML for methylmercury in tuna there were varying opinions by some Codex members on the suitability of the ML and the 1.2mg/kg level was adopted as a compromise, with a plan for it to be reviewed in 2021.
Throughout the development of this work, SafeFish has assisted in the upload of some methylmercury and total mercury data from Australia to the GEMS/Food database, and prepared formal technical submissions providing comments on the discussion paper produced by the EWGs to Codex Australia. SafeFish continues to advocate that prior to any MLs being established the contaminant needs to be present in amounts that are significant for total exposure and that sampling plans, if developed, should be practical and feasible whilst ensuring food safety using a risk-benefit based approach.
In 2024 CCCF forwarded the sampling plans for methylmercury to CCMAS for endorsement and to CAC for adoption. The sampling plans were adopted in November 2024. It was noted that if the sampling plans were not practical then CCCF could come back with a revision/amendment. An CCCF electronic working group was established in 2025 to develop a discussion paper on reviewing the maximum limit for methylmercury in tuna and associated sampling plans. CCCF are scheduled to meet in October 2026. Further information is available on this topic by contacting the SafeFish Secretariat at info@safefish.com.au.
