The aim of the focus action was to check the current situation on the Austrian market.

85 samples from all over Austria were examined. 8 samples were rejected:

• one sample of mussels showed evidence of the heavy metal inorganic arsenic. The sample was judged unsafe for human consumption.
• one sample of shrimps exceeded the maximum level for the pesticide diuron
• 3,4-dichloroaniline, a metabolite of the pesticide diuron, was detected in one shrimp sample.
• five samples (three samples of pangasius and two samples of shrimps) were rejected due to the presence of the acaricide fipronil or its metabolites.

Residues enter animal food from human application. Residues include, for example, veterinary medicines and pesticides; they can be harmful to human health. Avoidance of these undesirable substances is possible directly through specific measures.

Contaminants are mostly substances that accumulate in animal foods due to environmental pollution, such as heavy metals. Since avoidance of these harmful substances is not entirely possible, maximum levels are set according to the ALARA principle (as little as reasonably achievable). Both fish and seafood very often contain heavy metals.