The presence of inorganic contaminants As, Cd, Cr, Hg and Pb was evaluated in 116 samples of muscles of
seafood used for sashimi from Japanese restaurants in Campinas, SP, Brazil. Tuna (Thunnus thynnus),
salmon (Salmo salar), mullet (Mugil platanus) and octopus (Octopus vulgaris) were the most common
seafood species in these restaurants. Samples were digested in a microwave assisted system and the
contaminants were determined by inductively coupled plasma (ICP OES). The percentage of samples
above the maximum limit permitted by MERCOSUL and European regulations were: As (90% tuna, 48%
salmon, 31% mullet and 100% octopus); Cd (61% octopus); Hg (7% tuna); Pb (6% mullet). Octopus and tuna
were the sashimi that most contributed to arsenic and mercury intake, respectively