“Heavy metals such as mercury, lead, arsenic and cadmium are naturally present in the environment and can enter our food when the animals and plants we eat come into contact with water, soil and the seabed,” said SFA.
“Shellfish in particular grow on the ocean floor and can accumulate heavy metals that have sunk to the bottom.”
Based on levels detected, the agency added that one-off consumption of the affected product is unlikely to be of food safety concern.
However, long-term intake of high levels of cadmium may cause renal dysfunction, bone demineralisation and increased risk of cancer in the lung, endometrium, bladder and breast.
Those who have consumed the implicated products and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice. They may also contact their point of purchase for further enquiries.