Investigation reveals high mercury levels in popular canned tuna
Background
A recent investigation by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has found that many popular brands of canned tuna contain high levels of mercury, a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems. The investigation, which tested 31 brands of canned tuna, found that 26 of the brands contained mercury levels that exceeded the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) safety limit of 1 part per million (ppm).The highest mercury levels were found in albacore tuna, which is a larger, more predatory species of tuna. The CSPI found that albacore tuna contained an average of 1.35 ppm of mercury, which is more than three times the FDA's safety limit.
Canned light tuna, which is made from smaller, less predatory species of tuna, contained lower levels of mercury. However, the CSPI found that even some brands of canned light tuna contained mercury levels that exceeded the FDA's safety limit.
Health effects of mercury
Mercury is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems, including damage to the brain, kidneys, and nervous system. Mercury can also cause developmental problems in children.
The FDA has set a safety limit of 1 ppm of mercury in canned tuna. This limit is based on the amount of mercury that is safe for most people to consume in a single serving of canned tuna.
However, the CSPI's investigation found that many brands of canned tuna contain mercury levels that exceed the FDA's safety limit. This means that people who eat canned tuna regularly may be exposed to unsafe levels of mercury.
Recommendations
The CSPI is urging consumers to limit their consumption of canned tuna, especially albacore tuna.
The CSPI also recommends that pregnant women, women of childbearing age, and young children avoid eating canned tuna altogether.
If you do choose to eat canned tuna, the CSPI recommends that you choose brands that have lower mercury levels.
You can find a list of brands that have lower mercury levels on the CSPI's website: https://cspinet.org/eating-healthy/fish-eating-guide
