Health
High Mercury Levels in Canned Tuna Across Europe Spark Health Concerns
A recent report by marine conservation NGO Bloom and consumer advocacy group Foodwatch reveals elevated mercury levels in canned tuna across Europe, raising new concerns about public health risks. Analyzing nearly 150 tuna cans from Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, and Italy, the NGOs found that every sample contained mercury, with 57% surpassing the 0.3 parts per million (ppm) mercury limit imposed on other types of fish.
The findings have fueled a call for stronger regulations in Europe to address mercury levels in tuna. Currently, the European standard for mercury in tuna is set at a maximum of 1 ppm—more lenient than the threshold for other fish. “The tuna industry’s influence has set these lenient standards, but we won’t give up until we achieve more protective regulations,” stated Karine Jacquemart, CEO of Foodwatch France.
Concerns Over Health Impacts
Mercury, particularly in the form of methylmercury, is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a potential carcinogen, posing significant risks, especially to vulnerable groups. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) set the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for methylmercury at 1.3 micrograms per kilogram of body weight in 2012, double the TWI set in the United States. Given these limits, Bloom researcher Julie Guterman warns that even a single portion of canned tuna could exceed safe levels for consumers over 79 kg.
“Methylmercury is a neurotoxin that harms nervous tissue and affects cognitive development in unborn children and young children,” explained Dr. Philippe Grandjean, a professor in environmental medicine, in a statement. Prolonged exposure to methylmercury can impact memory, language, and motor skills, as well as fine motor and spatial vision.
The phenomenon of bioaccumulation explains why tuna and other high-food-chain species like swordfish and sharks are particularly susceptible to mercury contamination. Mercury, a byproduct of natural occurrences like volcanic eruptions and human activities such as coal combustion, becomes more toxic when it interacts with ocean bacteria, transforming into methylmercury. As tuna consume smaller fish, they accumulate methylmercury, passing it up the food chain to consumers.
Calls for Change and Consumer Protection
Bloom and Foodwatch have launched an initiative calling for the reduction of the tuna mercury threshold to 0.3 ppm. They’ve also initiated a petition targeting major European retailers—including Carrefour, Lidl, and Edeka—urging them to remove high-mercury tuna products from their shelves and to raise awareness of the health risks for consumers.
In response, the European Commission defended its current regulations, noting that maximum mercury levels for fish are set “as low as reasonably achievable” based on real-world data. Officials also argued that lowering the threshold further could disrupt the food supply.
As consumer advocacy groups continue to push for stricter guidelines, the Commission says it will monitor scientific advancements to ensure European food safety standards remain up-to-date. For now, however, Bloom and Foodwatch warn that with the European average consumption of tuna exceeding 2.8 kilograms per person annually, awareness and caution are essential when it comes to dietary choices involving tuna.
Health
German Consumer Group Warns Against Children’s Dietary Supplements
A leading German consumer group has raised concerns about the safety and necessity of dietary supplements for children, after testing 18 common products and finding issues in 17 of them. The findings highlight the potential risks of excessive vitamin intake and misleading advertising by supplement manufacturers.
High Dosages and Questionable Claims
Berlin-based consumer organization Stiftung Warentest conducted an analysis of 18 widely available children’s dietary supplements. The group examined their ingredients, compared them with recommended nutrient intake levels, and evaluated the accuracy of their advertised benefits. The results were alarming—15 of the products contained dosages exceeding recommended levels for children, while five had vitamin A levels higher than the maximum safe limit for adults.
The group concluded that these supplements are “unnecessary at best and risky at worst.” Their findings align with the stance of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), which states that food supplements are generally not needed for healthy individuals with balanced diets and cannot compensate for poor nutrition.
Growing Popularity Despite Risks
Dietary supplements, regulated as food products in the European Union, have gained widespread popularity in recent years. A 2022 survey across 14 EU countries found that 93% of adults had used supplements in the past year, primarily for perceived health benefits.
For children, supplements are often marketed as tools to enhance growth, cognitive function, or immune strength. However, Stiftung Warentest’s analysis suggests that some of these claims may be misleading.
“Manufacturers use enticing messages and suggestive images to make their products appealing to parents—sometimes using advertising claims that are illegal,” the group reported.
When Supplements Might Be Necessary
While Stiftung Warentest’s findings highlight significant concerns, some experts caution against completely dismissing dietary supplements. Dr. Berthold Koletzko, president of the European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) and a paediatric gastroenterologist at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, acknowledges that most children do not require supplements but notes exceptions.
“There are young children and adolescents with suboptimal supplies of critical nutrients and even deficiencies,” Koletzko said, pointing to vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids as examples.
Certain dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian or gluten-free diets, may increase the need for supplementation. A 2017 study found that 3.4% of German children aged 6 to 17 were vegetarians, a number Koletzko believes has since increased. Additionally, children living in areas with limited sunlight may require vitamin D supplementation.
However, Koletzko warns that not all supplements are equal. Gummy vitamins, for instance, are often high in sugar and may encourage overconsumption due to their candy-like appearance. Excessive vitamin and mineral intake can lead to digestive issues, including stomach discomfort and loose stools.
Expert Advice is Essential
For parents concerned about their child’s nutrition, Koletzko emphasizes the importance of consulting a trusted healthcare professional.
“If you choose a supplement, it’s crucial to select the right one and get advice from your paediatrician,” he advised.
As the debate over dietary supplements continues, Stiftung Warentest’s findings serve as a reminder that parents should approach them with caution, prioritizing a balanced diet over unnecessary supplementation.
Health
US Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals Could Spark Global Trade Disruptions
The pharmaceutical industry is bracing for potential upheaval as the United States considers imposing tariffs on drug imports, a move that could send shockwaves across global markets. President Donald Trump has signaled his intent to impose a 25% tariff on pharmaceuticals as part of a broader strategy to bring drug manufacturing back to the US.
Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday night, Trump confirmed his administration’s plans to target the pharmaceutical sector.
“We’re going to be doing tariffs on pharmaceuticals to bring our pharmaceuticals back,” he stated.
While the move aims to bolster domestic production, experts warn that the tariffs could lead to unintended consequences, including higher drug prices and supply chain disruptions that would impact both American and European companies. The US, a major importer of pharmaceuticals, heavily depends on European manufacturers for specialized medications. In 2023 alone, the US imported $170 billion (€157 billion) worth of pharmaceutical products, with $127 billion (€117 billion) coming from the EU.
European Markets at Risk
European pharmaceutical firms are particularly vulnerable to the proposed tariffs. Ireland, a key hub for American pharmaceutical companies, could face severe economic repercussions. In 2023, Ireland exported over €80 billion worth of pharmaceuticals to the US, accounting for more than half of its total exports. Major US firms like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Eli Lilly have significant operations in Ireland, and potential tariffs could lead to job losses and reduced investment.
Denmark’s pharmaceutical sector, especially Novo Nordisk, is also at risk. The company, a leader in diabetes and obesity treatments, generates over 50% of its revenue from the US market. Increased costs due to tariffs could impact American patients while also denting Denmark’s economic growth. The success of Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy has been a major driver of Denmark’s GDP, contributing nearly half of its economic growth in 2023.
Impact on Other European Nations
Beyond Ireland and Denmark, other European pharmaceutical hubs would also feel the strain. Belgium, home to Pfizer’s major European production facilities, exported over $73 billion in pharmaceuticals in 2024, with a quarter of those exports going to the US. Germany’s pharmaceutical and biotech industries, including major players like Bayer and BioNTech, could also face setbacks. France, Italy, and Switzerland—key exporters of vaccines, generics, and high-value specialty drugs—would experience supply chain disruptions and financial strain.
EU Retaliation on the Horizon?
If the US proceeds with tariffs, the European Union may impose retaliatory measures targeting American pharmaceutical companies. The European Commission is reportedly exploring countermeasures, including higher export costs for US firms such as Pfizer, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson.
Additionally, the EU could prioritize domestic pharmaceutical companies in government contracts and revive stalled regulatory reforms, such as the General Pharmaceutical Legislation (GPL) reform, which aims to strengthen Europe’s pharmaceutical sovereignty. The recently proposed Critical Medicines Act could also serve as a framework to counterbalance US trade policies.
With negotiations ongoing, the global pharmaceutical industry is closely watching developments, as any trade war in this sector would have far-reaching consequences for businesses, patients, and healthcare systems on both sides of the Atlantic.
Health
Scientists Discover Drug That Makes Human Blood Lethal to Mosquitoes
Researchers have identified a promising new method to combat mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria by making human blood toxic to mosquitoes. Their study, published in Science Translational Medicine, suggests that a drug commonly used for rare diseases could help eliminate mosquitoes when ingested through a blood meal.
Nitisinone: A Potential Weapon Against Malaria
The study focused on nitisinone, a medication prescribed for individuals with rare inherited metabolic disorders that affect amino acid breakdown. The drug functions by blocking a specific enzyme, preventing harmful byproducts from accumulating in the human body.
When mosquitoes feed on blood containing nitisinone, the drug disrupts their digestion, ultimately leading to their death. This discovery could pave the way for a novel mosquito control strategy.
“One way to stop the spread of diseases transmitted by insects is to make the blood of animals and humans toxic to these blood-feeding insects,” said Lee R. Haines, associate research professor at the University of Notre Dame and co-lead author of the study.
The findings suggest that nitisinone could serve as an effective and complementary tool in the fight against malaria, which remains a major global health concern.
A Growing Need for Mosquito Control Solutions
Currently, personal protective measures such as bed nets, insect repellents, and window screens help reduce mosquito bites. Another approach involves the use of ivermectin, a drug that kills parasites and is sometimes used to target mosquitoes. However, repeated use of ivermectin can lead to drug resistance and environmental concerns.
Nitisinone, on the other hand, demonstrated significant advantages over ivermectin.
“Nitisinone performance was fantastic,” said Álvaro Acosta Serrano, professor of biological sciences at Notre Dame and co-corresponding author of the study. “It has a much longer half-life in human blood than ivermectin, meaning its mosquito-killing activity lasts much longer. This is critical when applied in the field for safety and economic reasons.”
Crucially, the drug proved effective in eliminating mosquitoes across all age groups, including older mosquitoes, which are the most likely to transmit malaria. It also showed effectiveness against insecticide-resistant mosquitoes.
A New Approach to Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevention
Haines suggested that in the future, alternating between nitisinone and ivermectin could enhance mosquito control efforts.
“For example, nitisinone could be used in areas where ivermectin resistance persists or where the drug is already heavily used for livestock and humans,” he said.
Mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, chikungunya, and yellow fever, continue to pose a growing health threat. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned that climate change is creating more favorable conditions for invasive mosquito species in Europe, even though malaria was eradicated from the continent decades ago.
This new discovery offers a promising avenue for combating the spread of these diseases, potentially reducing the global burden of mosquito-borne infections.
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