Evaluation of Fish and Seafood Consumption in the Adult Population of an Italian Coastal Region and Health Risk Perception from Exposure to Methylmercury

Fish is a nutrient-rich food important for the well-being of all age groups. However, through fish ingestion, organisms are also exposed to various contaminants such as mercury, which can be biomagnified to reach the highest levels of concentration in predatory fishes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the consumption of fish and seafood products in the population of an Italian coastal region and to investigate the perception of risk by consumers. A closed-ended questionnaire was administered for this purpose. Regarding the habit of eating fish and seafood products, 92% of the interviewees reported consuming these regularly. Fresh, frozen, and canned products were eaten one to three times a week by 55.0%, 52.1%, and 65.6% of participants, respectively. Swordfish and tuna, species at high risk of methylmercury contamination, were consumed one or more times a month by 79.5% of respondents. Only 37.4% showed awareness of the possible health risk, with 81% citing chemical causes (e.g., methylmercury). Combined actions are needed to contain the risk of exposure to contaminants, such as mercury, through the ingestion of fish and seafood products, including greater consumer information on species to be limited, fisheries monitoring, and controls on contaminant emissions.