Mercury Levels Within Safe Limits, But Should You Eat Basa Fish

Basa fish, also known as Pangasius Bocourti, is a type of white fish native to Southeast Asia. In recent times, it has gained wide popularity due to its affordability, mild flavour, and flaky texture. Often used as a cheap alternative to cod or haddock, it is low in calories, rich in high-quality protein, and contains small amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. However, research has shown that it may not be entirely safe to consume. Basa fish contains mercury, though it is within safe limits. Despite this, concerns have been raised about the way basa fish is farmed and the environment in which it lives, potentially making it a higher-risk food.

Factors That Can Affect Mercury Levels in Fish

• Breeding conditions: Fish can absorb chemicals and nutrients from the water in which they are raised.
• Food chain: Fish accumulate mercury from the prey they eat, with mercury concentrating up the food chain.
• Predatory fish: Fish that consume other fish tend to have higher mercury levels.

Basa fish, particularly those cultivated in Vietnam, has faced import bans in the countries like United States and Canada. In 2007, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the import of basa fish due to the use of unsafe drugs and high levels of mercury. Similarly, in 2005, the Consumer Association of Canada raised concerns about banned fungicides found in imported Vietnamese fish. In India, the fish is not banned, yet the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has discouraged the import and consumption of basa fish.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Basa Fish

Yes. Basa fish is an excellent source of high-quality protein. It is not only rich in protein but also good for your overall cardiovascular health. Here's a breakdown of its health benefits.

Rich in Protein: Basa provides 22.5 grams of high-quality, complete protein per serving, essential for tissue repair and enzyme production.

Low in Calories: With only 160 calories per serving, it’s ideal for those managing their calorie intake.

Heart-Healthy: While lower in omega-3s compared to oily fish, basa may still help reduce cholesterol and contribute to cardiovascular health.

May Promote Longevity: Studies suggest that fish consumption is linked to a longer lifespan, although lean fish like basa have a smaller omega-3 contribution than oily fish.

Other Contaminants

The ponds used to farm catfish like basa are prone to contamination. To manage this, farmers often rely on chemical agents and drugs to control pathogens and parasites, which can impact the fish. Some studies have found that basa fish imported from Vietnam has occasionally failed to meet international safety standards. Fish from this region have been more likely to contain traces of veterinary drugs, including antibiotics, at levels exceeding legal limits.

Additionally, research found that 70–80% of catfish exported to European countries like Germany, Poland, and Ukraine were contaminated with Vibrio bacteria, a common cause of food poisoning. To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, it is essential to cook basa fish thoroughly and avoid consuming it raw or undercooked.

Besides mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Basa fish is also reported to have higher-than-recommended levels of cadmium and lead in certain samples, raising concerns about farming practices and environmental contamination. Thus, concerns remain about how the fish is farmed and the conditions in which it lives, which may make it a higher-risk food.