Nutritional quality and safety of whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) from Italian lakes

Whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) from Italian lakes of volcanic or artificial origin were studied in different seasonal periods for their nutritional properties and for some safety aspects. Fish fillets were characterized by good protein levels (17.6–20.4 g/100 g wet fillet) and low total lipid contents (1.1–4.2 g/100 g), variable during the year, the highest levels being attained in the summer season. Whitefish were also a good source of essential minerals like selenium, zinc and iron, while very low mercury levels were detected in all samples. Rubidium and caesium were found at significantly higher levels in muscle of fish from the lakes of volcanic origin. These minerals may represent elements of traceability of the origin of fish. Total lipids were mainly characterized by low cholesterol levels (43.0–60.4 mg/100 g wet fillet) and by high proportions of total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (21.5–32.1% of total fatty acids). The qualitative analysis of the stomach content of whitefish evidenced a prevalence of zooplanktonic species, mainly Daphnia spp., in their diet. The levels of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls detected in whitefish from the lakes under study were always well below the Italian and European action limits.