Frozen blue shark steak recalled due to high mercury content

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 07. 17. 09:25

Based on a notification received through the European Union’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), the Slovak authority detected mercury above the limit value in a frozen, sliced blue shark product originating from Spain, from which several companies also arrived in Hungary – the National Trade and Consumer Protection Authority (NKFH) told MTI on Thursday.

According to the information, the NKFH has contacted the companies concerned to take the necessary measures as soon as possible, to ensure the withdrawal of the affected items from circulation and the recall from consumers.

The authority is monitoring the measures taken by the companies, the further fate, destruction and transport of the recalled products.

According to the statement, the recalled blue shark steak is a bone-in, skin-on, vacuum-packed, frozen product. It is packaged in 130-300 grams per piece, there are two steaks in the package. Batch number L117810, best before date 17 August 2026. The product was dried in Spain. The retailer is Projekt-Market S.R.O. (Slovakia).

The authority asked that anyone who has purchased the product affected by the recall should not consume it.

Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in the air, water and soil. It is most concentrated in the seas and oceans, and occurs in fish and seafood, especially larger predatory fish. The mercury content of fish sold in stores is usually below the limits and is regularly monitored. Mercury, especially methylmercury, can negatively affect the nervous system and brain function, and pregnant women and young children may be more sensitive to its toxic effects, the authority explained.