An early assessment by the Ministry for Primary Industries shows trout caught from areas following 1080 pest control operations are safe to eat.
The Conservation Department (DoC), which uses 1080 pest control operations to reduce numbers of possums and predators, asked independent researchers at the Cawthron Institute to investigate concernsraised by some anglers that humans could be at risk from eating trout that have eaten mice containing the 1080 poison. The institute carried out laboratory-based trials that involved force feeding trout in tanks with extreme levels of 1080 in an attempt to model the effect on the fish. Early results from those trials indicated trout force fed very high doses of 1080 did take up low levels of the toxin, which broke down over time. DoC referred these results to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for an evaluation of food safety aspects. MPI has released its preliminary assessment. It's available by emailing info@mpi.govt.nz and asking for it.
The MPI report found that even at the peak levels temporarily reached within the force-fed trout in the laboratory, levels of 1080 fell well short of breaching internationally accepted standards for human health. It also said those peak levels were "a gross overestimate" of any likely residue to be found in wild trout.
DoC Director-General Lou Sanson welcomed the report's summary which "strongly indicates the consumption of wild caught trout from areas that have had 1080 applied will not pose a food safety risk to humans".
"We will continue to work with Fish and Game to provide detailed information to anglers on the outcome of the laboratory trials and about up-coming 1080 operations."
Mr Sanson said anglers seeking information about current and planned aerial 1080 operations on public conservation land can find maps and details online at: current status of Battle for our Birds aerial 1080 operations.
