<p>Contamination by metals is a widespread environmental and public health issue. Metal levels in two tissues of <i>Sepia officinalis</i> collected from March to May 2025 across four stations were analyzed. Results indicated that consuming <i>S. officinalis</i> from the northern and eastern Tunisian coasts might pose health risks due to high Ni and Hg levels in muscle tissues at all the study stations. The digestive gland showed even greater concern, with high estimated weekly intakes of Cu, Ni, Zn, and Hg across all sites. Excessive Fe levels were also found in samples from Sousse and Monastir, along with high Pb levels in samples from Rades. As the main edible tissue, muscle reflected metal bioaccumulation, while the digestive gland, involved in detoxification, tended to accumulate higher levels of metals. The hazard indices highlighted considerable combined exposure to multiple metals at all sites. Additionally, a potential carcinogenic risk was observed related to Cr from muscle consumption and to Cd and Cr from digestive gland consumption at all study stations. Therefore, <i>S. officinalis</i> appears to be an effective bioindicator of marine pollution, and the health risks associated with its consumption should be considered within dietary guidelines limiting cuttlefish intake, especially for vulnerable populations.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>