Endangered Sharks Found in Grocery Aisles, Putting Health and Environment at Stake

As of October 2025, a concerning issue has come to light regarding the shark meat sold in US grocery stores. A team of researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has discovered that many of these shark products are mislabeled, obscuring the fact that they come from critically endangered species.

Furthermore, some of the shark species found in these grocery aisles contain alarmingly high levels of mercury, a powerful neurotoxin that can be harmful to human health. Exposure to mercury can lead to a range of symptoms, including loss of peripheral vision, "pins and needles" sensations, and muscle weakness.

One particularly concerning finding is the prevalence of hammerhead shark meat, which frequently contains high levels of mercury. Shark conservation specialist Demian Chapman warns that the high-end consumers who purchase these premium shark fins are "putting themselves and their guests at the greatest health risk."

The consumption of hammerhead sharks not only poses a threat to human health but also increases the risk of extinction for these critically endangered species. As Chapman aptly states, "It's a lose-lose scenario for people and wildlife."

Vague labeling of shark meat is just one example of how food packaging can deceive consumers. With some regulations in place to prevent endangered sharks from reaching grocery stores, awareness of this issue remains the best way for consumers to avoid potentially dangerous shark products.