YOGYAKARTA In this article, the dangers of consuming shark meat will be discussed. This type of fish is suspected to be the cause of the case of mass poisoning in West Kalimantan (West Kalimantan).
Previously, as many as 24 students and 1 teacher from SD Negeri 12 Benua Kayong in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, were poisoned after eating the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program shark menu.
Regional Head of West Kalimantan MBG Agus Kurniawi said that the presentation of the menu was negligence in the kitchen of the Mulia Kerta Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG).
"Regarding the shark menu, it was purely a mistake and negligence from our SPPG. They did not carefully choose the menu," said Agus, Wednesday, September 24, 2025, quoted by VOI.
Referring to this case, it can be understood that shark meat consumption has the potential to have a negative impact on health. So, what is the danger of shark meat consumption? To find out, see the explanation below.
To find out the reason why shark meat consumption is dangerous, you need to understand the concept of bioaccumulation.
Bioaccumulation is a process of stacking toxic compounds in the body of living things due to repeated exposure from the environment or food. In the context of sharks, toxins come from small fish they eat.
As we all know, sharks are a peak predator with a long life. Well, the biotoxines they absorb from the environment or food, are not easily lost. Instead of being expelled by the body, these toxins are piling up, so the levels will increase as the shark ages grow.
Research conducted by experts shows that adult sharks have higher levels of mercury and cadmium than young sharks. Well, consumption of Mercury fish can cause permanent damage to the nervous, brain, and kidney system. This risk will increase if shark meat is consumed by pregnant women and children.
While exposure to cadmium can increase the risk of cancer, acute digestive problems such as nausea and diarrhea, as well as reproductive disorders.
Quoted from the Shark Research Institute page, apart from mercury and cadmium, shark meat also contains other heavy metals, such as:
Not only that, a number of studies have also found poison from marine micoorganism such as cuguas in the shark's body. This type of biotoxine can cause siguatera poisoning, namely serious nerve disorders characterized by nausea, dizziness, and weakness.
Quoted from the Oceanic Preservation Society page, repeated consumption of shark meat can cause a buildup of dangerous heavy metals in the body.
Heavy metals contained in shark meat such as ORIGIN, mercury, and lead, cannot be ejected by the body in a short time. These toxic compounds accumulate in important organs such as the brain, liver, and kidney, then cause chronic diseases.
Arsenic content in shark meat can increase the risk of skin cancer, bladder, and lung disease, and can increase the risk of metabolic disease as low as 2.
While lead in shark meat can cause nausea, stomach pain, not severe conditions such as seizures, comas, even death if the levels are high, lead could be the cause of death.
From the explanation above, it can be concluded that the danger of consuming shark meat in the long term can increase the risk of neurological disorders, cancer, and organ damage. Experts suggest that shark meat should be avoided by vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
That's information about the dangers of shark meat consumption. Get other selected news updates only on VOI.ID.
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