What specific knowledge must a person possess today regarding a lamprey sourced from modern North American waters before considering consumption?

Answer

Specific, current knowledge about the exact water body from which it was sourced

The divergence between historical acceptance and contemporary assessment is heavily driven by environmental pollutants, particularly in large freshwater systems. Therefore, a general historical acceptance of edibility is insufficient for modern safety. Any individual deciding to consume lamprey today must acquire specific, current knowledge detailing the exact water body of origin. This scrutiny is vital because the risk of consuming fish bioaccumulating toxins like PCBs or mercury varies dramatically between different modern locations.

What specific knowledge must a person possess today regarding a lamprey sourced from modern North American waters before considering consumption?
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