This is not an isolated case in Europe.
Rome, 23 December 2025 --- A study released in 2025 revealed the presence of dioxin, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB-DL) and non-dioxin like compounds (PCB-NDL) in eels from Lake Garda (Northern Italy). European eel, a critically endangered species, is commonly found in fish markets across Europe and consumption is widespread.
The study found that almost one third of eels sampled (28 out of 90) exceeded EU limits for dioxins and dioxin-like compounds, some exceeding 5 times the maximum permitted level for non-dioxin like compound (PCB-NDL) thresholds. Based on the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for dioxins and dioxin-like compounds, even occasional consumption of contaminated eels could lead to exceeding the tolerable weekly intake, posing heightened risks for children and pregnant women.
The sampling results led the Ministry of Health to ban the marketing and consumption of Lake Garda eels, and the Veneto Region to ban their fishing. These measures should be extended as a precaution to the rest of Italy.
However, the case of Lake Garda is not an isolated one. Contaminated eels were also found in European lagoons such as in Camargue (France), where eels have been traced with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In Spain, heavy metals and microplastics have been traced in eels entering the Spanish Bay of Biscay’s estuaries. In the Netherlands, a study demonstrated eel’s consumption from high polluted rivers to lead to accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Dutch consumers.
Vittoria Gnetti, MedReAct marine campaigner, said: “The news about toxic contamination of eels make the situation even more absurd: European eel is a critically endangered species that countries like Italy, France, Spain and others across Europe exploit and consume especially during the Christmas season. Yet, science tells us that this fish can be toxic to humans, even if consumed occasionally. Dioxin and other toxic compounds found in eel meat are a very serious hazard for humans: to protect this iconic, endangered species and human health, any exploitation and sale of European eel should be banned.”
Due to their fat content, eels accumulate persistent organic and highly toxic pollutants (POPs) like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), dioxins, heavy metals like cadmium and lead, and microplastics.
Combined contaminants may cause “cocktail effects”, with potential negative consequences on human health.
Countries such as Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Portugal and Spain report high microplastic concentrations in coastal waters and estuaries, a phenomenon that adds to the high concentration of microplastics found in glass eel.
The recent EU Fisheries Council on 11-12 December failed once again to stop eel fisheries despite the latest scientific advice, which calls for zero catches during all eel life stages in all habitats.
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CONTACTS
Vittoria Gnetti, marine campaigner at MedReAct, v.gnetti@medreact.org, Mob. + 39 334 3073809738
