Skipjack are the smallest of the major tuna species, while yellowfin are larger. So, the fact the canned tuna in Australian cupboards is likely to contain smaller species is already a bonus when it comes to reducing mercury risk.
Best in breed
Think twice about yellowfin, which is generally less sustainable than skipjack. If the tin doesn't list the type of tuna, don't buy it. Brands with decent credentials include Fish 4 Eva, John West, Safcol and Sirena. Aldi and Coles own-brand cans are OK, too, but check each for breed and catch method.
It's generally safe for all population groups, including pregnant women, to consume 2-3 serves of any type of tuna or salmon a week, canned or fresh. Canned tuna usually has lower mercury levels than other tuna because tuna used for canning are smaller species that are caught when less than 1 year old.
If you're concerned about limiting the amount of mercury you consume, and if you've eaten no other fish during the week, Consumer Reports says up to 12 ounces a week of Bumble Bee Chunk Light, Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light, Safe Catch Wild Elite, and StarKist Chunk Light tunas are the safer choices among the products ...
Canned light tuna is low in mercury and is considered one of the best choices for individuals that need to limit their exposure to mercury. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding can consume 2–3 servings of canned light tuna per week and children can consume 2 servings per week.
Safe Catch Elite Tuna, simply the lowest mercury tuna of any brand.
Canned white, or albacore (0.32 parts per million of mercury). Children under six can eat up to one 3-ounce portion a month; children from 6-12, two 4.5-ounce portions a month. Adults, including pregnant women, can safely eat this kind of tuna up to three times a month (women, 6-ounce portions; men, 8-ounce portions).
FRIDAY, Feb. 10, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Canned tuna is known to contain low levels of mercury, but a new Consumer Reports investigation has found spikes of the neurotoxin in some cans. The organization tested five popular tuna brands, CBS News reported.
Eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish species that are lower in mercury, such as shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and (farmed) catfish. You may eat up to 6 ounces of canned albacore ("white") tuna per week.
Sirena tuna is 100% sustainably caught using the traditional pole and line method. With full traceability they only source ingredients from reputable suppliers who are contractually obliged to comply with their ethical sourcing policy.
Our supply of tuna is traceable. Through our stringent traceability processes we do not source fish caught on illegal fishing vessels or use processors who have unsafe, unfair or illegal labour practices. Sirena is transparent on the source of fish used across all of our product ranges.
Australian fish
Although southern bluefin tuna is a large predatory fish, it generally has mercury levels less than 0.5 mg/kg.
Oily fish are fish that contain at least 10% fat, most of which are the healthier omega-3 oils. In Australia, the oiliest fish include: canned salmon and sardines, some varieties of canned tuna, salmon, gemfish, blue-eye trevalla, blue mackerel, oysters and arrow squid.
FSANZ has calculated that it is safe for all population groups to consume a snack can of tuna (95 grams) everyday, assuming no other fish is eaten. But remember, the Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend that a variety of foods be consumed. 6.
Every single brand is canned off shore. Safcol has a cannery in Adelaide that employs Australians, we make canned soups and baby foods in this factory for various private label and other brands and the canned seafood we import helps sustain our factory, and keeps Australians employed.
But scientists say more tests are needed to confirm that. Cooking does not remove mercury from fish because the metal is bound to the meat. For example, a piece of tuna will have the same amount of mercury whether it is eaten raw as sushi or cooked on the grill.
Chlorella: In mice, some studies have suggested that chlorella reduces mercury concentration. Foods with sulfur: Foods rich in sulfur, like garlic and broccoli, may help with removing toxic metals. Supplements like selenium, alphalipoic acid and glutathione may also help with mercury toxicity.
One big takeaway is that albacore has much more mercury than light or skipjack tuna, regardless of the brand. That's not surprising, since albacore is larger and lives longer than the tunas that make up the light tuna or skipjack tunas.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, salmon's average mercury concentration is 0.022 parts per million (ppm). Tuna has a higher average concentration of 0.144 ppm. Health experts recommend eating about 8 ounces of seafood per week. You could easily overdo it if your daily lunch is a good ol' can of tuna.
For tuna varieties, skipjack earns the Best Choice label from the FDA, while yellowfin and albacore receive the Good Choice label. The FDA suggests avoiding bigeye tuna, which has the highest levels of mercury. Before consuming canned tuna, it is best to consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Is this okay? Yes. Canned light tuna is in the “Best Choices” category and it is fine to eat 2 to 3 servings per week. We recommend that you eat a variety of fish.
But how many tins a week? Lab tests we did for the ABC TV science program Catalyst in 2015 suggest – depending on your body weight and the exact brand of tuna you buy – you could eat anywhere between 25 and 35 small tins (95g each) of tuna a week before you hit maximum mercury limits.