Ikan tongkol mercury level advice

[youssef24eg]

Hello , i liked ikan tongkol so much and eat it many times weekly when i stay in indonesia , could someone advice if this fish is high in mercury or no ?

 

[Nicho]

Hello , i liked ikan tongkol so much and eat it many times weekly when i stay in indonesia , could someone advice if this fish is high in mercury or no ?

Possibly . I know the Ikan Layang /Mackerel Scad and a lot of reef fish can be . Lot of people here have an allergic reaction to them , Brake out in an itchy rash . Wouldn't be surprised what you'd find in the seafood here with all the pollution , raw sewerage , crop irrigation run off that goes into the rivers/ocean . Round Up is used widely in the crop industry throughout Indonesia . We have aquaculture farms along the river and a lot of shellfish , crabs , etc are also gathered here amongst the filth , it all goes to restaurants and warungs throughout S/East Java and Bali . I'm sure it's the cause of a lot of Bali Belly cases .

 

[Shadrach]

I read about this amazing Woman today named Rachel Carson. She published a book (Silent Spring) in 1962 about the effects of the pesticide DDT on the environment! This is a quote from her shortly before her Death. I thought it was relevant to the subjects lately on the forum about Rubbish, Mercury, Pesticides, Nuclear Fuel, etc, effecting Indonesia,
I admit, I haven't read the book, but her quote struck me to the Bone!
This is a quote from Rachel Carson, who wrote the book- Silent Spring, published in 1962. About the effect of DDT on the environment.
"Man's attitude toward nature is today critically important simply because we have now acquired a fateful power to alter and destroy nature. But man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitably a war against himself? [We are] challenged as mankind has never been challenged before to prove our maturity and our mastery, not of nature, but of ourselves."

More food for thought?
Then, over 10 days in January–February 1969, a massive oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, poured between 80,000 and 100,000 barrels of oil into the Pacific, fouling 35 miles of California beaches and killing seabirds, dolphins, sea lions, and elephant seals. Public outrage ran so high that President Nixon himself, a Republican, went to Santa Barbara in March to see the cleanup efforts, telling the American public that “the Santa Barbara incident has frankly touched the conscience of the American people.”

And then, in June 1969, the chemical contaminants that had been dumped into Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River caught fire. A dumping ground for local heavy industry, the river had actually burned more than ten times in the previous century, but with increased focus on environmental damage, this time the burning river garnered national attention.

In February 1970, President Richard M. Nixon sent to Congress a special message “on environmental quality.” “[W]e…have too casually and too long abused our natural environment,” he wrote. “The time has come when we can wait no longer to repair the damage already done, and to establish new criteria to guide us in the future.”

“The tasks that need doing require money, resolve and ingenuity,” Nixon said, “and they are too big to be done by government alone. They call for fundamentally new philosophies of land, air and water use, for stricter regulation, for expanded government action, for greater citizen involvement, and for new programs to ensure that government, industry and individuals all are called on to do their share of the job and to pay their share of the cost.”


Today the White House under President Donald J. Trump celebrated Earth Day by announcing that “we finally have a president who follows science,” with policies “rooted in the belief that Americans are the best stewards of our vast natural resources—no ‘Green New Scam’ required.” One of the policies the White House champions is “opening more federal lands and waters for oil, gas, and critical mineral extraction.”

 

[Hawk256]

I read about this amazing Woman today named Rachel Carson. She published a book (Silent Spring) in 1962 about the effects of the pesticide DDT on the environment! This is a quote from her shortly before her Death. I thought it was relevant to the subjects lately on the forum about Rubbish, Mercury, Pesticides, Nuclear Fuel, etc, effecting Indonesia,
I admit, I haven't read the book, but her quote struck me to the Bone!

So you read a single sentence about this amazing woman and want to pass on her book as some kind of guide even though you have never read it?

 

[Shadrach]

So you read a single sentence about this amazing woman and want to pass on her book as some kind of guide even though you have never read it?

So you read a single sentence about this amazing woman and want to pass on her book as some kind of guide even though you have never read it?

No that's not what I was referring to! I was struck by her Quote just before her death, about Mankind's responsibility for the Chemicals created, and not only how they affected the environment, but Humans also! Try to look beyond who is posting, but look at the matter of the post!
But Hey, reading her book is a good idea! At least, She had the Balls to stand up for whats Right, and not be afraid of the powerful Corporations!

 

[pantaiema]

Hello , i liked ikan tongkol so much and eat it many times weekly when i stay in indonesia , could someone advice if this fish is high in mercury or no ?

Ikan tongkol (mackerel tuna or related tuna species) is pupolar fish and reguallry consumed in West Sumatran cuisine and is widely enjoyed by locals. Visit any Padang restaurant in major cities across Indonesia, and you'll often find it on the menu;it's been a popular choice for generations and continues to be consumed today. Have you ever seen many people get sick from eating it?

If you're overly concerned, maybe it's best to avoid eating fish altogether in Indonesia.

 

[Shadrach]

Possibly . I know the Ikan Layang /Mackerel Scad and a lot of reef fish can be . Lot of people here have an allergic reaction to them , Brake out in an itchy rash . Wouldn't be surprised what you'd find in the seafood here with all the pollution , raw sewerage , crop irrigation run off that goes into the rivers/ocean . Round Up is used widely in the crop industry throughout Indonesia . We have aquaculture farms along the river and a lot of shellfish , crabs , etc are also gathered here amongst the filth , it all goes to restaurants and warungs throughout S/East Java and Bali . I'm sure it's the cause of a lot of Bali Belly cases .

Unfortunately many of the reef fish get contaminated by a toxic Ciguatoxin, not bacteria. It is produced by small plant like organisms called Dinoflagellates! So when a person eats fish contaminated by this toxin they get sick! There is no cure for Ciguatera, but symptoms can be treated. Small fish eat the algae containing the toxin, then are eaten by larger predatory fish, that then accumulate and concentrate the toxin in their flesh. A prime example can be Groupers, Moray eel, Sturgeon, Sea Bass, Red Snapper, Amberjack, Mackerel, Parrotfish, and Triggerfish, and Barracuda!
And Mercury poisoning is a slow build up from consuming fish with high levels of Mercury,
Such as= Shark, Swordfish, Barramundi, Gem fish, Orange Roughy, Ling Cod, and Southern Bluefin Tuna!
Too Bad, I like Ling Cod, and Bluefin Tuna for Sushi, and Sashimi!
And just another thing to be aware of is during certain times of the year, there can be whats called a Red Tide, which is an harmful algae bloom caused a population explosion of microscopic, often toxic, algae, particularly dinoflagellates. These blooms can discolor the water, causing a reddish or other colored appearance, and produce toxins harmful to marine life, and Humans. Good Luck!

 

[fastpitch17]

Ikan tongkol (mackerel tuna or related tuna species) is pupolar fish and reguallry consumed in West Sumatran cuisine and is widely enjoyed by locals. Visit any Padang restaurant in major cities across Indonesia, and you'll often find it on the menu;it's been a popular choice for generations and continues to be consumed today. Have you ever seen many people get sick from eating it?

If you're overly concerned, maybe it's best to avoid eating fish altogether in Indonesia.

Any Padang restaurant? You do realize that is just a name they stick on their eating place that means a variety of foods placed on the table and you pay for what you eat. Padang is in West Sumatra and you know what you won't find in Padang? A food service calling itself Padang.

Mackerel or tuna is most affordable near coast where fishing is a business. The more inland you go, the higher the price so the more costly fish are replaced with cheaper farm raised fish like Gurame. I live in Sumatra and visit other areas besides my local and no where in a Padang restaurant have I seen anything other than Gurame or sardines served. Price.

 

[Shadrach]

As far as the Ikan Tongkol is concerned, I think, it's just a matter of taste. For me, it's too fatty and dark meat. I prefer Mahi Mahi, or Salmon. Yes unfortunately most seafood has high levels of Mercury. But hey, look at all the food from the Mainland. The Chickens, and Pigs, are factory farmed in inhumane conditions by the thousands in one large room. Because of this they are fed antibiotics. Someone said they are not given growth hormones, but I have seen a large white variety of chicken, , that after six months grow so fast, they couldn't stand anymore? Yes you say the Salmon are grown in pens now also, True that! All of the large vegetable farms, are grown next to large factory farms of Cattle, or Pigs. They have a large water canal running beside them to carry all the water for irrigation. The same water that runs off the cattle farms, and Pig pens, is used to water the vegetables. That's why every now and then, there huge outbreaks of Salmonella, Ecoli, or Listeria!
It's amazing how resilient Humans are actually. We consume massive amounts of Aluminum, Lead, and Plastic, and still survive, but with high rates of Cancer, and other fatal diseases.
So back to the Seafood. We might as well enjoy it, but I think it's important for the workers to understand to wash the food, and their hands after going to the toilet! And keep the kitchen surfaces Clean.

 

[centurion]

We have aquaculture farms along the river and a lot of shellfish , crabs , etc are also gathered here amongst the filth , it all goes to restaurants and warungs throughout S/East Java and Bali . I'm sure it's the cause of a lot of Bali Belly cases .

While fish can contain salmonella and escherichia coli, it is usually deep fried in Indonesia and eliminated. Bali Belly probably comes from salmonella and e.coli from human feces (the cook did not wash his/her hands after the toilet job basically).

 

[Shadrach]

While fish can contain salmonella and escherichia coli, it is usually deep fried in Indonesia and eliminated. Bali Belly probably comes from salmonella and e.coli from human feces (the cook did not wash his/her hands after the toilet job basically).

That's what I finish my last comment saying! HAH! Why is it almost every toilet in Bali has a broken toilet seat? Filthy sink, never any soap to wash your hands! Is this how their Momma raised them? Oh who cares, Just give me a big pile of GMO White rice, and some old Greasy Deep fried Hormonal imbalanced Chicken, in Palm oil. I'm in a Hurry to go to another Ceremony! ‍‍

 

[pantaiema]

Any Padang restaurant? You do realize that is just a name they stick on their eating place that means a variety of foods placed on the table and you pay for what you eat. Padang is in West Sumatra and you know what you won't find in Padang? A food service calling itself Padang.

Mackerel or tuna is most affordable near coast where fishing is a business. The more inland you go, the higher the price so the more costly fish are replaced with cheaper farm raised fish like Gurame. I live in Sumatra and visit other areas besides my local and no where in a Padang restaurant have I seen anything other than Gurame or sardines served. Price.

Apologies for the confusion. When I mentioned "menu" in post #6, I should have explained it more clearly. Yes I do know that In many Padang restaurants, not just in West Sumatra but also in major cities when people sit down at a table, the staff will typically bring out a wide selection of dishes delivered to the table without people needing to order at the counter. People should simply pay for what they have eaten. In my opinion, this is something that really needs to be reconsidered, especially in terms of hygiene.

But typically, the customers can also choose to order specific items at the counter or by pointing to the options displayed in the window. In these cases, people can select various dishes, including fish options like ikan tongkol, tuna chunk, and they will not get various food, they do not ordered delivered to their table.

Mackerel or tuna is most affordable near coast where fishing is a business. The more inland you go, the higher the price so the more costly fish are replaced with cheaper farm raised fish like Gurame. I live in Sumatra and visit other areas besides my local and no where in a Padang restaurant have I seen anything other than Gurame or sardines served. Price.

I've seen ikan tongkol served at many Padang restaurants in big cities throughout Indonesia. I completely agree that ikan tongkol tends to be more expensive compared to locally farmed fish. From what I understand, in places like Jakarta, Padang restaurants are also aimed at middle class Indonesians, and they can even cater to more upscale local lunch or dining experiences.

 

[Hawk256]

Why is it almost every toilet in Bali has a broken toilet seat? Filthy sink, never any soap to wash your hands!

You guys have toilet seats? Even in Jakarta, I see mostly squat toilets unless you are at some upper class place. Maybe one central sink but certainly not in each bathroom seperately. Next you are going to tell me that you have hot water also.

 

[Shadrach]

You guys have toilet seats? Even in Jakarta, I see mostly squat toilets unless you are at some upper class place. Maybe one central sink but certainly not in each bathroom seperately. Next you are going to tell me that you have hot water also.

Hey it's better than in the mountains of India. Up there people, just find a beautiful big tree to Squat next too, and have a nice panorama while they drop their Load! So, before you want to sit down and lean on a big Ponderosa Pine, to enjoy the view, have a good look First! HAH.
Oh and if they're lucky, they can go wash their left hand in the river down below! No ugly sinks, and soap up there!

 

[Bob]

Hello , i liked ikan tongkol so much and eat it many times weekly when i stay in indonesia , could someone advice if this fish is high in mercury or no ?

In areas with illegal gold mines, like parts of Maluku and NTT, it's very likely.