Which pollutant, accumulated in large predatory fish like Swordfish, cannot be remediated by cooking or freezing?
Answer
Mercury
Mercury represents a significant barrier to regular consumption of larger, predatory ocean fish such as Swordfish, Shark, and King Mackerel. Mercury bioaccumulates in the flesh of these species over their lifespan. A crucial aspect of mercury contamination is its permanence; since it is stored chemically within the tissue matrix, neither conventional cooking methods nor deep freezing procedures designed to kill parasites or bacteria will reduce or eliminate the heavy metal load. This necessitates ongoing consumption advisories for vulnerable populations, independent of whether the fish is served raw or cooked.
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