Two environmental groups have raised alarm over high mercury concentrations in canned tuna sold across major European supermarkets, according to findings published that have sparked concerns among millions of consumers in the EU.
Considered by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be one of the ten chemical substances of greatest concern for public health worldwide, on a par with asbestos and arsenic, this neurotoxin poses serious risks to the human body.
Non-governmental organizations Bloom and Foodwatch are urging supermarket chains and national authorities to take urgent action, including lowering permitted mercury thresholds in food products.
In their investigation, Bloom randomly selected 148 tins of tuna from supermarkets across five European countries – France, Germany, Britain, Spain and Italy.
Laboratory analysis by an independent facility revealed mercury contamination in all samples tested.
More than half of the tested tins contained mercury levels exceeding the 0.3 mg/kg limit set for other fish species, the report stated.
The organizations noted that current European mercury limits for tuna were established based on contamination rates rather than human health risks, effectively allowing the sale of 95 percent of tuna catches.
The maximum permitted level was set at 1 mg/kg for “fresh weight” tuna rather than the final canned product.
“This explains why tuna, considered one of the most contaminated species, is allowed mercury tolerance levels three times higher than less contaminated species,” the report said.
Need for maximum mercury content for tuna
The NGOs argue there is no health-based justification for this discrepancy, stating that mercury toxicity remains constant regardless of whether it is consumed via tuna or other sources.
Describing the situation as a “genuine public health scandal”, they are calling on the European Commission to align tuna’s maximum mercury content with the stricter 0.3 mg/kg limit applied to other fish species.
Mercury, whose global emissions have risen sharply over the last two centuries, is found in large quantities in the ocean. It accumulates in fish in its most toxic form, methylmercury, ending up on the shelves and then on the plates of millions of families.
As a predator at the top of the food chain, tuna accumulate heavy metals from their prey, resulting in a great increase in mercury contamination compared with smaller species.
The high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in tuna fish may help to reduce the level of omega-6 fatty acids and LDL cholesterol that can accumulate inside the arteries of the heart. Studies have shown that eating more omega-3 is associated with reduced rates of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks.
Tuna and its health benefits
Tuna is the best-selling fish in Europe. Yet regular ingestion of methylmercury – even in small quantities – represents a serious health hazard, particularly (but not exclusively) for the brain development of fetuses and young children[3-8], the organizations warn.
Tuna fish is one of the most popular varieties of seafood in the world. In addition to its abundance and meaty flavor, tuna is also extremely nutritious.
Tuna is an excellent source of vitamin B12, an essential vitamin needed to make DNA. Vitamin B12 also helps you to form new red blood cells and prevent the development of anemia.
The high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in tuna fish may help to reduce the level of omega-6 fatty acids and LDL cholesterol that can accumulate inside the arteries of the heart. Studies have shown that eating more omega-3 is associated with reduced rates of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks.
Related: Greek Fishermen Catch One of Largest-Ever Tunas in the Aegean
