Exotic imported fish making their way on to dinner tables in the Black Country could pose a danger to health, it has been revealed.

Trading standards officers are now due to sample all fish from the Pacific and Indian Oceans for metal content. It will include visits to delis, restaurants and shops selling fish from outside the European Community. Fish imported from Vietnam, China, Bangladesh, Burma and other Far Eastern countries will be tested for levels of cadmium, lead and mercury.

The species of fish include red snapper, commonly used in West Indian dishes, pangasius, a species of catfish native to the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam and mirgal, a species from Burma.

Councillor Garry Perry, Walsall Council’s trading standards chief, said the authority was informing consumers of the chemical contaminants in all types of food, including fish.

“Fish is a global commodity and a lucrative industry,” he said. “We are liaising with the Food Standards Agency who will use the results from our analysis of fish to consider possible changes in European legislation.”

John Beavon, trading standards manager at Walsall, added: “This is not about checking the substitution of fish species on sale but is part of a national inquiry co-ordinated by the FSA.”

A total of 15 species of fish will be surveyed in the coming weeks.

Walsall Trading Standards will be carrying out further tests on food as part of its ongoing food sampling programme.

Advice issued by the Food Standards Agency stressed fish was still an important part of a healthy diet, but that certain people should limit their consumption of certain types.

The agency said: “Nearly all fish contain traces of mercury and in most fish this is not a problem. But certain fish contain relatively higher levels of mercury.

“This is mainly an issue for pregnant women and women who intend to become pregnant.”

For more information visit www.food.gov.uk