Residues and health risk assessment of anesthetic in fish in Fujian Province of China from 2021 to 2023

Anesthetics are widely used in fish farming and transport to reduce stress responses and minimize mortality and injury. However, overuse threatens human health. This study aims to analyze the residual status of anesthetics in fish in Fujian Province and estimate the health risks caused by anesthetics in fish. A total of 368 fish samples collected from the Fujian Province of China from 2021 to 2023 were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) to study the residue profiles of three anesthetics. In addition, the dietary exposure risk assessment was performed using an end-point assessment model. Among the three anesthetics, only eugenol was detected, with an overall detection rate of 49.5 % and an exceedance rate of 33.2 %. The detection rate and exceedance rate exhibited a declining trend annually. Geographical variation was observed, with Xiamen having the highest rates. Samples purchased from shops showed the highest detection and exceedance rates. Different fish species exhibited varying eugenol residuals, with tilapia, perch, crucian, and grass carp having the highest detection rates (≥70.4 %). The multivariable analysis revealed significant associations between eugenol residue levels and both fish species and geographic regions. The hazard quotient (HQ) was lower than 1, suggesting limited acute health risks from consuming local freshwater fish, but further attention is needed. This study pioneers the monitoring of anesthetic residuals in fish samples from Fujian over three years and the assessment of dietary eugenol exposure, laying a foundation for future monitoring and thus protecting the health of consumers.