Rio de janeiro bans shark meat from 95% of state schools amid health and conservation concerns

The Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has prohibited the purchase of shark meat for approximately 95% of its state-run schools, marking a significant policy shift driven by both environmental protection and public health considerations. The decision follows a damning July 2025 Mongabay investigation that exposed the widespread use of shark meat in Brazil’s public institutions, including schools and eldercare facilities.

The investigation revealed that over 1,000 public contracts had been issued since 2024 for more than 5,400 metric tons of shark meat destined for public consumption. A key concern highlighted by the report is Brazil’s practice of labeling shark meat as “cação” rather than “tubarão” (the Portuguese word for shark), leaving consumers—including children—unaware of what they’re eating. This lack of transparency raises serious conservation red flags, as endangered shark and ray species may be illegally harvested and sold to unsuspecting buyers.

Health experts emphasize additional risks, particularly for children. As apex predators, sharks accumulate dangerous levels of heavy metals like mercury in their tissues. Since scientists maintain there is no safe level of mercury exposure and developing bodies are especially vulnerable to this neurotoxin, the state’s education department cited “technical, scientific, health and environmental grounds” for the suspension.

While the Brazilian Association for the Promotion of Fish defended shark consumption as “completely legal and safe,” Rio de Janeiro’s precautionary approach prioritizes child welfare and marine conservation. The ban represents a growing awareness of the interconnected nature of environmental protection and public health policy.