Consumer Advice: 5 Things You Can Do to Keep Your Family Safe from Overexposure to Mercury from Canned Tuna

1. Read the Label
2. Watch How Much You Eat
3. Speak Out
4. Talk To Others
 5. Stay Informed

Family

Read the Label

There are several things to look for on light canned tuna labels that will help you make an informed decision about the potential mercury concentration in any given can of tuna.

  • The "Dolphin-Safe" Label:
    Tuna caught by chasing and netting dolphins are usually older, bigger, and have higher levels of mercury in their bodies. According to U.S. regulations, tuna caught this way are not eligible for the “dolphin-safe” label. Thus, cans of light tuna with the “dolphin-safe” label are less likely to have high concentrations of mercury.
  • Country of Origin:
    In 2004, 51 percent of the tuna on grocery store shelves came from a foreign source. Based on the results of our testing, the average can of American and Asian brand light canned tuna had lower concentrations of mercury than the average can of Latin American brand light canned tuna.

Also, Oceana has recently released its "Green List" of grocery stores that post signs about the mercury content of their seafood.

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Tuna Sandwich

Watch How Much You Eat

Our study, along with other recent research, indicates that adults should limit their intake of light canned tuna to no more than six ounces, or one can, of tuna per week. In the absence of clear government advice for children, we also recommend that parents limit their children's consumption of light canned tuna to no more than three ounces, or one half can, per week. Being informed and erring on the side of caution is the best way to reduce risk.

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Speak Out

Contact your representatives and tell them you are concerned about the health impacts of mercury in tuna. Ask them to encourage the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out more comprehensive mercury testing that specifically includes imported canned tuna. These further tests are critical to ensuring America's favorite fish is safe to eat and will help keep canned tuna with excessive mercury off store shelves. Consumers deserve clear and well-researched advice on tuna consumption to protect everyone from unacceptable exposure to mercury.

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Talk to Others

Tell your friends and family about the risks posed by mercury and how they can protect themselves and their families. Be sure to talk to friends and family who are or may become pregnant or are raising children as this information is especially important to these populations.

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Stay Informed

Mercury in tuna and other seafood is a product of industrial pollutants; so unfortunately, this means that the problem isn't going to go away overnight. That also means that research on mercury in light canned tuna will keep coming. Continue to keep yourself informed with the latest data and most up-to-date information.

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