Why Does Panga Have A Bad Reputation?

The production of panga, Siamese shark or tilapia is growing exponentially and it can be found on tables around the world. However, the controversy surrounding its consumption continues to make headlines regularly. Let’s look at some of the reasons why this fish is controversial.

The bad reputation of panga has led a supermarket chain to withdraw this variety from sale in various European countries, including Spain. It also led to its abolition in many school cafeterias. However, it is still a fish commonly eaten in many European countries or the United States.

However, the food authorities insist on the security of controls in the production and transport of this fish. So far, there has been no health alert related to the consumption of panga. What then is the controversy? Are there reasons to stop using panga?

What is panga?

The panga – Pangasius hypophthalmus – is a freshwater fish that lives mainly in the Mekong and Chao Phraya rivers. Although today much of the panga consumed is raised on farms. Most of these farms are located in Southeast Asia, in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia or Laos.

The panga belongs to the group of white fish, such as sole, hake or grouper. In general, white fish is recommended for its intake of proteins of high biological value, minerals and vitamins D, A and B1.

However, in the case of panga, these nutritional values ​​are generally lower. It contains less protein per 100 grams than hake or sole, as well as a different lipid composition. This fish also contains less vitamins A and D.

It has become a very popular fish, both in community canteens (hospitals, retirement homes or school canteens) and in private homes. This is mainly due to its affordable price, its presentation in fillets without skin or bones and its mild flavor.

Why does panga have a bad reputation?

As you have seen, the consumption of panga has been controversial for a few years. However, at no time was any food alert declared by the specialized authorities.

Let’s see what are the darkest points around eating pangasius.

1. It is a contaminated fish

One of the controversies surrounding this fish is its possible contamination. About 90% of all panga consumed in the world comes from the Mekong River. And it is one of the most polluted rivers on the entire planet. In addition, it must be taken into account that the very production of this fish in fish farms increases this contamination.

In 2017, the OCU (Organization of Consumers and Users of Spain), carried out an analysis of 23 pangasius samples, some frozen and others fresh. The results showed that:

• In 4 samples, remains of a herbicide banned in Europe were found.
• Traces of mercury were detected in 9 samples. Although the amount did not exceed the legal limit of 0.5 mg per pound, they were very close to half that figure. These amounts could be of concern for children, but not for adults. It would not exceed the levels that can be found in fish such as tuna, shark or swordfish.

2. Environmental and food sustainability

Some experts advise against using this fish first for environmental reasons. The consumption of fish from distant countries has a strong impact on the environment. This is due both to the production process that the fish undergoes and to the costs of its transport and distribution.

In addition, it is also necessary to take into account the impact of its intensive production on the territory itself. Some of the negative consequences have been the deforestation of mangroves in countries like Vietnam and the change in land use surrounding the Mekong River. Rice, one of the mainstays of the diet of the inhabitants of the region, has thus ceased to be cultivated.

3. Production process

Panga is therefore a fish produced mainly on farms. Intensive fish farming has a number of negative environmental and social consequences.

On the one hand, the waters are becoming more polluted than they already were. This is due to the uncontrolled release of antibiotics and feces from the fish itself. In addition, pangasius specimens live crowded in small spaces, are fed with food and pose a danger to native species.

The social impact of breeding on fish farms is not minor. Panga is a very inexpensive fish; and this is due, in part, to the low wages and poor working conditions of the workforce.

How to make a good choice of fish?

Although panga has a bad reputation, eating it is not dangerous. Safe consumption could thus be limited to once a week in the case of adults and once every two weeks in the case of children.

However, given the negative aspects that have given panga a bad reputation, we can make other recommendations for healthier and more responsible fish consumption. If you want to consume fish based on criteria of sustainability, culinary tradition and health, you must prioritize the following aspects:

• Eat fish that are not farmed and that have been caught using environmentally friendly methods.
• Consume the typical fish of our regions and which is nearby, local markets or fish markets.
• Prefer smaller species, as they accumulate less heavy metals in their tissues.
• Choose different varieties from the different options available. Diet variety is one way you can ensure that your diet is more balanced and carries less risk.

As a source of protein, minerals and essential fatty acids, fish are a good ally in your diet. You now know how to improve the choice of this very important food for a varied and healthy diet.