Tuna is a nutritious and tasty fish enjoyed by many around the world. However, concerns over sustainability, mercury levels, and safety can come up regarding tuna sourced from certain countries. One question is whether wild caught tuna from Thailand is safe to eat. Let’s break down the key facts.
Overview of Thailand’s Tuna Fishing Industry
Thailand has a well-developed tuna fishing industry supplying canned tuna globally. Key details include:
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Main tuna species caught are skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye and albacore
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Thailand ranks in the top 10 for total tuna catch worldwide.
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Exports large quantities of canned tuna to major markets like the EU U.S. and Japan.
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Uses various fishing methods including longline, purse seine, gillnet and pole and line.
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Has some sustainability concerns but is improving practices.
So Thailand is a major tuna producer. But should you feel confident about eating their wild caught tuna? Let’s explore further.
Monitoring Mercury Levels in Thailand Tuna
Mercury in seafood is always a concern, especially when eating tunas like albacore that are larger and longer-lived. Here are key facts on mercury testing in Thailand:
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Thailand does monitor mercury in seafood like many countries.
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Testing shows mercury levels in Thailand tuna are generally within safe limits.
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Average mercury levels were lower compared to tuna from other major suppliers.
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No warnings exist currently about unsafe mercury levels in Thai tuna.
So available evidence suggests mercury in wild tuna from Thailand is not a significant worry compared to other sources.
How Thailand Tuna Processing Affects Safety
Proper processing and canning methods are also important for tuna safety. Here is how Thailand tuna processing ranks:
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Thailand exports huge amounts of canned tuna, suggesting well-developed processing industry.
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Major Thai tuna processors appear to meet international food safety standards.
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No current warnings or import bans due to unsafe processing or canning exist.
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Thailand also sells frozen tuna loins but with more risk than canned tuna.
Overall, the large export market for Thai canned tuna implies acceptable safety standards are being met.
Sustainability of Thailand’s Tuna Fisheries
Sustainability is another factor to consider regarding seafood from Thailand:
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Uses several fishing methods, some more concerning like gillnets for bycatch.
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Struggles with IUU fishing (illegal, unreported and unregulated).
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Has received some criticism for lack of sustainability oversight.
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Is taking steps to improve like enhanced monitoring and increasing pole & line fishing.
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Earning MSC certification for some fisheries.
So sustainability is still a work in progress but efforts are being made to address concerns.
Tips for Choosing Thai Canned Tuna
When selecting canned tuna from Thailand, here are some tips:
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Check for sustainability certification labels like Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
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Choose pole and line caught when possible to reduce bycatch.
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Stick to major brands who have accountability for supply chains.
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Opt for skipjack which is smaller with lower mercury levels.
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Look for cans with no dents, swelling or damage.
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Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place and refrigerate after opening.
Is Thai Canned Tuna a Healthy Choice Overall?
Given the information available, wild caught canned tuna from Thailand appears to be reasonably safe and healthy to eat when you follow basic guidelines. The benefits of tuna like high-quality protein, omega-3s and essential nutrients can outweigh potential minimal risks from mercury exposure and sustainability concerns. Just practice moderation and choose wisely when buying Thai tuna.
Top Brands for Thai Canned Tuna
These leading brands offer canned tuna responsibly sourced from Thailand:
Chicken of the Sea – Owned by Thai Union, a major seafood producer in Thailand. Offers skipjack and yellowfin sourced using purse seining and pole and line from MSC certified fisheries.
John West – Owned by Thai Union. Skipjack and yellowfin tunas from MSC certified sustainable fisheries. Trader Joe’s once used John West for their canned tuna.
365 Everyday Value (Whole Foods) – Offers skipjack from Thailand poles and line caught in a free school fishery. MSC certified and rated Greenpeace “green.”
Tonnino – Sources skipjack and yellowfin from Thailand through CIATT, a sustainable fishing consortium. Known for artisan quality.
American Tuna – Poles and lines caught in Thailand. Promotes traceability and has transparency in supply chain.
The Bottom Line
Based on available evidence regarding mercury testing, processing standards, sustainability efforts, and sound sourcing by major brands, enjoying canned tuna from Thailand can be a safe choice overall. Look for sustainability certification labels and responsible brands to get the benefits of tuna. While no seafood is risk-free, Thai canned tuna appears acceptable for moderate consumption as part of a healthy diet when precautions are followed.
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Photo by Flickr user
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FAQ
Is tuna from Thailand okay?
What kind of tuna comes from Thailand?
How safe is wild caught tuna?
What brand of tuna is the safest?
Is Thai tuna safe to eat?
One of the main safety concerns surrounding Thai tuna is the potential for contamination due to illegal fishing practices. Tuna caught illegally may be contaminated with harmful substances that can pose health risks to consumers. Another concern is the issue of human trafficking and labor abuses in the Thai fishing industry.
Is Thailand’s tuna industry safe?
While Thailand has a long history of fishing and seafood production, there have been concerns about the safety and sustainability of its tuna industry. One major issue is the use of illegal fishing practices, which can result in contaminated fish that may pose health risks to consumers.
Are canned tuna products safe to eat?
NFI said that the mercury levels we found were well below the limit that the FDA allows in canned tuna and said these products are safe to consume. StarKist and Chicken of the Sea said their tuna products are monitored for mercury and meet this FDA limit.
How do you know if canned tuna is safe to eat?
Check if the canned tuna you’re considering bears certifications such as MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) or Dolphin-Safe labels, which indicate efforts toward environmentally-friendly sourcing. Don’t fall for vague terms like “line caught,” rather, stick to “pole-caught” or “trolling” if possible.