CR tested canned tuna from Bumble Bee, Chicken of the Sea, StarKist, and other popular brands. Heres our advice for pregnant people, and everyone else.
Cans of tuna are cheap, easy to find, and full of protein and omega-3 fatty acids that your body needs. They are a standard item in kitchens, delis, and school lunchboxes all over the country. A national survey (PDF) of 2,185 U.S. adults conducted by Consumer Reports in November 2022 found that about a third of Americans eat it twice a month or more. S. adults, and about 10 percent eat it at least once a week.
But mercury is found in a lot of fish, including tuna. Mercury can be harmful to adults, but it’s especially dangerous for kids, babies, and especially pregnant women.
CR checked five well-known brands of canned tuna for mercury because so many people eat it and because it might be harmful. These brands are Bumble Bee, Chicken of the Sea, StarKist, Safe Catch, and Wild Planet. We found a wide range in mercury levels between types of tuna as well as among different brands. Light and skipjack varieties, for instance, contain much less mercury on average than albacore tuna. (Note that the tuna in pouches is the same as the tuna in cans, but we didn’t test pouches.) ).
But CR’s food safety experts warn that pregnant women might be better off staying away from tuna altogether, based on our latest tests, our past work, and research from other groups. The reason for this is that while canned tuna, especially light types, usually has pretty low mercury levels, some cans can have much higher levels. As James E. says, “from can to can, mercury levels can rise in unpredictable ways that could put a fetus’ health at risk.” Rogers, PhD, director of Food Safety Research and Testing at CR.
We were able to find a number of options for adults and kids who eat canned tuna, even those who do so often. That’s important because most people don’t eat enough fish, which is good for your heart and brain.
Tuna is a beloved fish that’s enjoyed by people all over the world. It’s versatile, delicious and can be used in a variety of dishes. But when it comes to choosing the right tuna, there are many factors to consider including where it comes from and how it’s caught.
In this article, we’ll be exploring whether tuna from Fiji is safe to eat Fiji is a small island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, and it’s home to a variety of seafood, including tuna We’ll be taking a closer look at the quality of the tuna caught in Fiji’s waters, as well as the potential health risks associated with consuming this popular fish.
So if you’re a fan of tuna and want to know more about its safety, keep reading!
Is Tuna From Fiji Safe To Eat?
The short answer is yes tuna from Fiji is generally safe to eat. The waters around Fiji are clean and clear, making them ideal for fishing. Local fishermen catch tuna in these waters and the tuna that’s caught is of high quality and safe for consumption.
When buying tuna from Fiji, it’s important to choose a reputable brand that sources its fish responsibly. One such brand is Ocean Naturals, which focuses on responsible fishing and transparency. Their products contain just four ingredients: fish, salt, water, and olive oil. The exact species of fish used is clearly indicated on each product.
It’s worth noting that all fish contain trace amounts of mercury, which can be harmful to human health if consumed in large quantities. However, the FDA recommends that albacore, yellowfin, and skipjack tuna be eaten no more than once per week. This type of tuna has a white color and is lower in mercury than other varieties.
Compared to light tuna, white tuna is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and has a lighter flavor. Yellowfin tuna has a higher mercury content than white tuna, as well as more calories, protein, and B12. It should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Raw tuna sashimi and sushi should also be avoided due to the risk of scombroid poisoning caused by consuming improperly stored or preserved fish.
The Quality Of Tuna Caught In Fiji’s Waters
Fiji is located in the South Pacific Ocean, and its waters are known for their cleanliness and clarity. These qualities make Fiji’s waters ideal for fishing, and local fishermen catch a variety of seafood, including high quality tuna.
The Fiji albacore tuna longline fishery operates in Fiji’s economic exclusion zone (EEZ). Members of the Fiji Tuna Boat Owners Association (FTBOA) have worked to meet the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard for sustainable fisheries. Their efforts have ensured that their tuna is eligible to bear the MSC ecolabel for sustainable fisheries since December 2012.
When buying tuna from Fiji, Ocean Naturals is a reputable brand that focuses on responsible fishing and transparency. Their tuna contains just four simple ingredients and clearly labels the species used.
As mentioned earlier, the FDA recommends limiting intake of albacore, yellowfin, and skipjack tuna to no more than once per week due to low levels of mercury. Tuna from Fiji generally falls into the safer white tuna category.
Potential Health Risks Of Consuming Tuna From Fiji
While tuna from Fiji is generally considered safe, there are some potential health risks to be aware of when consuming any type of fish:
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Mercury content – All fish contain traces of mercury, which can accumulate in the body over time. It’s important to limit tuna intake to the recommended weekly amount.
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Bacterial contamination – Raw or underprocessed tuna may contain bacteria or other organisms that can cause illness. Choose a reputable brand that follows proper food safety practices.
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Allergic reactions – Some people may be allergic to tuna or other fish. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Avoid tuna if you have a known fish allergy.
Regulations And Sustainability In Fiji’s Tuna Industry
The Fiji Fishing Industry Association (FFIA) has taken steps to ensure their tuna industry is sustainable and responsible:
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At least 75% of long line tuna vessels are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for sustainable fishing practices.
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34 vessels already have MSC certification for albacore tuna. Certification is being expanded to include yellowfin tuna and additional fishing areas.
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The Fijian Ministry of Fisheries sees MSC certification as critical for traceability and sustainability.
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Addressing gender-based issues in tuna fishing roles is also a priority, as women are often in underpaid, undervalued positions.
The fishing industry is central to Fiji’s economy and way of life. Ensuring sustainable practices now will maintain healthy fish stocks and marine ecosystems for generations to come.
Alternatives To Tuna From Fiji
If you want a sustainable tuna option other than tuna from Fiji, here are some great choices:
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Wild Planet – Rated best sustainable option by Greenpeace. Pole and line or troll caught to reduce bycatch. Third party mercury testing.
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Crown Prince – Albacore tuna in spring water, no salt added. Top sustainability practices.
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Pole and line or FAD-free purse seine fishing – Traditional pole-and-line fishing or free-swimming school purse seine fishing are the most sustainable tuna catching methods.
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Salmon, sardines – Good alternatives high in omega-3s and lower in mercury. Look for sustainable sources.
The bottom line is that tuna from Fiji is considered safe to eat in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Choosing reputable brands that use responsible catching methods is key. Be aware of mercury risks and sustainable fishing practices to maximize the health and environmental benefits of this nutritious fish.
Albacore vs. Light Tuna
When CR tested 10 products, two types of tuna from each of the five brands were looked at: albacore, which comes from bigger tunas and costs more; and light tuna, which includes skipjack and comes from smaller tunas. CR tested three samples of each product, from different lots, for a total of 30 samples. All the tuna products came packed in water, which was drained before testing.
While these tests are only a snapshot of the market and don’t include all of it, they do show what people may be experiencing at this time when they eat these brands of tuna and stress how important it is for them to make safer choices every day.
One important thing to remember is that albacore has a lot more mercury than light or skipjack tuna, no matter what brand it is. Albacore tunas are bigger and live longer than light or skipjack tunas, so that doesn’t come as a surprise. The difference was pretty big, though. On average, the albacore products had three times more mercury than the others.
Scientists and seafood experts already know that albacore has more mercury than light tuna, but a new poll by CR suggests that most people may not know this. About half of Americans said they didn’t know that the mercury level in different kinds of canned tuna varies. And 18 percent said that they didn’t know that canned tuna has any mercury at all.
In our test, albacore had higher mercury levels than light tuna, but there was a lot of difference between brands. For example, the albacore tuna from Chicken of the Sea had 10 times more mercury than its light tuna. However, the albacore and skipjack tunas from Wild Planet had mercury levels that were very close to each other.
In our tests, none of the albacore tunas had levels low enough for an adult to eat three servings a week. Only the Bumble Bee Albacore had levels low enough for two servings a week. The rest of the albacore tunas had levels that mean you should only eat one serving a week, and kids shouldn’t eat albacore at all.
Our tests showed that all but one of the light tunas had levels low enough that CR’s experts believe that adults who are not pregnant could eat three 4-ounce servings of fish a week, and kids could eat two 1- to 4-ounce servings, depending on their age.
The exception: Wild Planet Skipjack Wild Tuna. In our tests, this light tuna had levels that were closer to those of albacore tuna, so you could only eat it once a week. (Note that the exact amount of tuna you can eat depends on your weight as well.) CR’s experts think these rules are a good starting point for everyone to use to keep track of how much mercury they’re taking in. ).
The Trouble With Tuna
Mercury is found all over the ocean, and nearly all fish that you might eat has some mercury in it. It’s both an element found naturally in the environment and a byproduct of manmade pollution. As a general rule, bigger fish have more mercury in their bodies than smaller fish because they are higher on the food chain. The more small fish those big fish eat, the more mercury builds up in their bodies.
Even though tuna isn’t the biggest fish in the ocean, a lot of kids and adults of all ages love it and eat it all the time. Canned tuna is the only seafood in some people’s diets. So that’s why mercury contamination is such a concern in this particular fish.
Mercury is a known neurotoxin. Too much of it is harmful to children, whose bodies and brains are still growing. It can even hurt adults in large amounts, making it hard for them to speak, sleep, walk, and coordinate their fine motor skills. It can also make them feel prickly. Those who are pregnant should be especially worried, though, because mercury can harm the developing brains and nervous systems of their babies
The Food and Drug Administration made stricter rules in 2017 about which fish you should avoid if you are pregnant or might become pregnant. The FDA said that those at risk could eat up to 12 ounces (3 servings) of light tuna or 4 ounces (1 serving) of albacore per week, as long as they didn’t eat any other fish. To keep things simple, a 5-ounce can of tuna has 4 ounces of tuna in it. The last ounce is water or oil. ).
Half of the people who answer don’t know that different kinds of canned tuna have different amounts of mercury. Another half don’t know that canned tuna has any mercury at all.
November 2022 CR survey of 2,185 U.S. adults
There is a critical window of development for a fetus during pregnancy, and the FDA recently told CR that these levels are “protective of neurodevelopmental effects.” These levels are also safe for other people.
That being said, CR’s food safety experts at the time said that the FDA’s new messages were a step in the right direction but didn’t go far enough, at least for tuna. They thought that pregnant women shouldn’t eat any tuna because the FDA’s data showed that some cans had really high levels of mercury that could be harmful. CR’s experts also thought that other adults and kids should cut back on how much they eat for the same reason.
CR’s food safety experts still say the same thing: “We are still concerned that the variation we see from can to can makes tuna too risky for pregnant women and suggests everyone should take some precautions,” says Michael Hansen, PhD, a senior scientist at CR.
Is Canned Tuna Safe To Eat? Experts Weigh In On The Benefits Of Eating The Canned Fish | TIME
FAQ
What is the safest canned tuna to eat?
What tuna fish are in Fiji?
How can you tell if tuna is safe to eat?
What is the safest fresh tuna to eat?
Is it safe to eat tuna?
As a result, regular tuna consumption may lead to health issues. Volcanic eruptions and industrial activity emit mercury into the oceans, where it builds up in marine life. This article reviews mercury in tuna and tells you whether it’s safe to eat this fish. How Contaminated Is It?
Is tuna fish good for health?
1) Tuna is loaded with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which help in reducing cholesterol. 2) Tuna is rich in potassium which is known to reduce blood pressure. Omega 3 fatty acids in combination with potassium bring an anti inflammatory effect and promotes heart health. 3) Tuna is rich in various vitamins and minerals like manganese, zinc, vit C and selenium which help in strengthening immune system. They help in reducing free radicals and protect the body from cancers. 4) Vit B that is present in tuna helps in strengthening bones. 5) It improves skin health as it is rich in vitamin B complex.
Is canned tuna safe?
The two main concerns when it comes to tuna are mercury content and sustainability. There are also some potential downsides to canned tuna specifically, including fat and sodium content and the safety of the can itself. Mercury is a heavy metal that is often present in fish due to water contamination.
Can you eat canned tuna a week?
Fish is considered an important source of these healthy fats in the diet, though you can also get omega-3s from plant foods ( 10, 11 ). As a result, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans currently recommends that adults consume 8 ounces (227 grams) of seafood per week ( 12 ). Eating canned tuna is an easy way to increase the omega-3s in your diet.