The Concentration of Malachite Green in Fish: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Probabilistic Risk Assessment Publisher

Summary: A review found illegal chemical malachite green in fish at risky levels in some countries, raising health concerns. Research suggests stronger controls are needed. #FoodSafety #PublicHealth

Fakhri Y¹ ; Mahmoudizeh A¹ ; Hemmati F² ; Adiban M³ ; Esfandiari Z⁴ ; Mousavi Khaneghah A^{5, 6}
Source: International Journal of Environmental Health Research Published:2025

Abstract

Malachite Green (MG) is an antibiotic with antifungal activity, which is illegal to use in agriculture due to its mutagenic and teratogenic properties. Several scientific papers have been published on MG in fish. Therefore, an attempt was made to determine the meta-analysis concentration of MG in fish based on countries and types of fish subgroups, as well as the health risks of consumers, using the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) model. The three countries with the highest concentration of MG were Iran (14.697 µg/kg), Brazil (2.840 µg/kg), and China (2.277 µg/kg). The overall pooled concentration of MG in fish was 3.036 µg/kg, 95%CI (2.860–3.212 µg/kg), and the highest concentration of MG was observed in Pacu fish (6.603 µg/kg). The health risk assessment shows adults in Malaysia, China, and Iran and children in Italy, Spain, Brazil, Malaysia, China, and Iran are at considerable risk (MOE <10,000); hence, carrying out control plans in these countries is recommended. © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.