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.
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.
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.
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 ...
The FDA recommends consuming fish lower in mercury. 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.
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.
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.
Interestingly, although tuna is a large predatory fish it generally has mercury levels <0.5 mg/kg.
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).
Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Another commonly eaten fish, albacore ("white") tuna, has more mercury than canned light tuna.
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.
The traditional treatment for mercury poisoning is to stop all exposures. In many cases, chelation therapy is also used. This involves giving a medication (the chelator) which goes into the body and grabs the metal (chelos is the Greek word for claw) then carries the metal out of the body, usually into the urine.
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.
In most fish, the levels are very low. However, some varieties contain high levels of mercury due to their feeding habits or surrounding environment. Commercially sold fish that may contain high levels of mercury include shark (flake), ray, swordfish, barramundi, gemfish, orange roughy, ling and southern bluefin tuna.
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.
Smaller fish, like sardines, anchovies, and salmon, contain much of the healthy deliciousness of tuna with less harmful mercury.
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.
SAFCOL TUNA
The South Australian Fishermans Co-Operative Limited (S.A.F.C.O.L.)
8. Which fish are low in mercury? Blue Mackerel, Herring, John Dory, Ocean trout, Salmon, Sardines, Silver Trevally, Silver Warehou - (all also high in omega 3 fatty acids). Also, Anchovy, Blue eye cod, Bream, Flathead, Garfish, Mullet, Snapper, Whiting.
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.
If you're counting calories and maximizing omega-3 fatty acids, then tuna in water might make a great choice. On the other hand, if moisture, flavor, and vitamin D levels are your focus, then olive oil-packed tuna might be better. Whatever tuna you choose, it's important not to go overboard for this mild-flavored fish.
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.