Rio de janeiro becomes first brazilian state to ban shark meat from school meals over health and environmental concerns

The Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has made history by becoming the first state in Brazil to ban shark meat from school meals, citing both health risks and environmental protection concerns. The groundbreaking decision affects approximately 1,200 state-managed schools—95% of all schools under the state’s jurisdiction—and has sparked both praise from conservation groups and pushback from the seafood industry.

The ban, which took effect on October 23, 2025, was implemented through an administrative guideline sent to schools by the state education department. Officials justified the decision based on scientific evidence from respected health organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Brazil’s own Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. The state education department emphasized that the suspension follows “technical, scientific, health, and environmental grounds” while adhering to constitutional requirements for comprehensive child protection under Brazil’s National School Feeding Program guidelines.

While shark conservation and health advocates have applauded the move as a significant step forward, the seafood industry has criticized the decision. The ban represents a growing awareness of both the ecological importance of sharks in marine ecosystems and potential health risks associated with consuming shark meat, which can contain high levels of mercury and other toxins. However, the restriction only applies to state-managed schools, leaving approximately 10,400 municipal and private schools in Rio de Janeiro state free to make their own decisions regarding shark meat in school meals.