Canned tuna is highly contaminated with mercury, a substance harmful to health, the non-governmental organizations Bloom and Foodwatch report today in a report, calling on major supermarkets and public authorities to take “urgent action”, including reducing the permitted limits.
“Bloom randomly selected 148 cans in five European countries (France, Germany, England, Spain and Italy), which were tested by an independent laboratory: 100% of the cans were found to be contaminated with mercury,” research shows made by NGO Bloom. .
The environmental watchdog says that two cans contain more than one can of mercury, which exceeds the upper limit set for other types of fish, which is 0.3 mg/kg.
Alchemy with the allowable limits of mercury per ton
“The maximum levels of tuna mercury currently in force in Europe are set on the basis of tuna contamination rates and not on the risk of mercury to human health, in order to ensure the sale of 95% of tuna,” the survey. states.
Therefore the maximum content was set at 1 mg/kg in the “fresh weight” of the tuna and not in the finished product, inside the can.
“This is why tuna, which is one of the most contaminated species, is assigned a maximum mercury tolerance three times higher than that for less contaminated species.”
According to the two NGOs, “this deviation is not justified by any health reason: mercury is less toxic if it is ingested through tuna, it is only the mercury concentration in the food that counts.”
Mercury, which is mainly present in atmospheric deposits from coal-fired thermal power plants, has been classified by the World Health Organization as one of the ten substances of greatest public health concern.
In the ocean, mercury mixes with bacteria and turns into methylmercury, an even more toxic derivative.
A real public health scandal
“Elemental mercury and methylmercury are toxic to the nervous system (…); neurological and behavioral disorders may be observed after exposure to them,” says the World Health Organization.
Non-governmental organizations speak of a “real public health scandal” and call for “urgent action”.
They ask the European Commission to align with the stricter maximum it has set for other species, namely 0.3 mg/kg.
“We demand that public authorities strengthen regulation and, without delay, that distributors only market products below the most protective threshold,” summarizes Camille Dorioz, campaign director at Foodwatch.
Source: RES
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Sarah Canfield, Marine Biologist and Food Safety Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Canfield. Thank you for joining us to discuss the troubling findings in the recent report regarding mercury contamination in canned tuna. It’s alarming to hear that 100% of the sampled cans were found to be contaminated. What does this indicate about the current state of our seafood safety?
Dr. Canfield: Thank you for having me. The findings are indeed concerning. It suggests systemic issues in our seafood supply chain, particularly with how tuna is fished, processed, and regulated. Mercury is a heavy metal that enters waterways through various means, including industrial discharge and atmospheric deposition. As tuna are apex predators, they accumulate higher levels of mercury in their bodies over time, and this report underscores the extent of that contamination.
Editor: The report mentions that some cans contained mercury levels exceeding the allowed limits for other types of fish. Can you explain why the regulations seem more lenient for tuna specifically?
Dr. Canfield: Absolutely. Current EU regulations are based on the contamination rates of tuna rather than the specific health risks posed by mercury exposure. The 1 mg/kg limit allows for a significant amount of tuna to be sold without raising immediate safety concerns, hence benefiting retailers and the fishing industry. This can lead to a false sense of security regarding the safety of consuming canned tuna, even though the levels of mercury can be quite high.
Editor: Bloom and Foodwatch are calling for urgent action from supermarkets and public authorities. What measures do you believe should be taken?
Dr. Canfield: First and foremost, there must be a reevaluation of the permissible mercury limits for tuna. Authorities should conduct more comprehensive risk assessments that prioritize consumer health. Additionally, transparency in testing and labeling is crucial—consumers have the right to know the mercury levels in their food. Supermarkets should also actively source tuna from fisheries with sustainable practices that aim to minimize mercury contamination, supporting responsible fishing practices.
Editor: It’s clear that consumer awareness plays a significant role. What can individuals do to mitigate their risk while still enjoying seafood?
Dr. Canfield: Consumers can take proactive steps, such as diversifying their seafood choices and opting for species that are known to have lower mercury levels, like salmon or sardines. It’s also wise to limit the frequency of tuna consumption, particularly among vulnerable populations like pregnant women and children. Ultimately, being informed and cautious can help individuals make better decisions regarding their seafood intake.
Editor: What role do you think public awareness campaigns will play in addressing this issue?
Dr. Canfield: Public awareness campaigns are crucial. They can educate consumers about the risks of mercury exposure and encourage them to advocate for better regulations. The more people understand the issue, the more pressure there will be on policymakers and retailers to make systemic changes. Grassroots movements can be incredibly powerful when they’re coupled with well-informed communities.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Canfield, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. It’s evident that while canned tuna remains a popular choice, consumers need to be proactive about their health and advocate for cleaner, safer food sources.
Dr. Canfield: Thank you for discussing this topic. It’s essential that we keep these conversations going to ensure a healthier future for our oceans and our food systems.