Search

This article presents the results obtained through a study of the concentration of trace metals (iron, zinc, manganese, chromium, copper, nickel) in some conserves of variegated scallops (Chlamys varia, Bivalvia, Mollusca). A total of 300 samples of seven different commercial brands (named A, B, D, H, J, L and M) and one processing type, 'scallop sauce', were analysed. Samples were collected weekly in a large shopping centre in Santa Cruz de Tenerife during a 12-month period. Variegated scallops have considerable concentrations of zinc, cupper and manganese, so that their dietary intake constitutes an important source of these metals. However, they have low concentrations of chrome and nickel, and the levels of iron are similar to those found in other bivalve molluscs.

The concentrations of three toxic heavy metals, mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), were determined in preserved variegated scallops (Chlamys varia, Bivalvia, Mollusca), which are often consumed in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). A total of 300 samples of seven commercial brands (A, B, D, H, J, L, and M) and one processed product ("scallop sauce") were analyzed. Samples were collected weekly in a major shopping area in Santa Cruz de Tenerife during a 12-month period. The concentrations of lead and mercury were far below the maximum limit permitted for human consumption by the European Communities Commission regulation (EC) 466/2001 (1 and 0.5 mg kg(-1) wet weight for Pb and Hg, respectively). Concentrations of cadmium were close to the maximum limit permitted by regulation (EC) 466/2001 (1 mg kg(-1) wet weight).