What mercury concentration level (in ppm) generally triggers the high-mercury classification for seafood?
Answer
Levels at or above 0.5 parts per million (ppm).
Health organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) utilize specific data points to guide consumer recommendations regarding fish consumption frequency. The established threshold indicating a high-mercury level, which warrants advising limited consumption, is generally defined as a concentration at or above 0.5 parts per million (ppm). Orange roughy, due to its biological profile characterized by slow growth and extended lifespan, typically exceeds this benchmark, placing it firmly in the high-risk category for frequent intake.

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