Does all canned tuna have mercury?

Asked by: Mark Fassette

Skipjack and canned light tuna, which are relatively low in mercury, can be eaten as part of a healthy diet. However, albacore, yellowfin and bigeye tuna are high in mercury and should be limited or avoided.

Is there any canned tuna that doesn’t have mercury in it?

Because of its lower mercury levels (no more than 0.1 parts per million in a can), Safe Catch’s skipjack tuna (often referred to as “chunk light”) will be the only product on the market, once available, to meet Consumer Reports’ criteria for “low mercury,” a standard pure enough for pregnant women and small children.

Which canned tuna has the most mercury?

albacore

All canned white tuna is albacore. Its mercury levels are almost three times higher than the smaller skipjack tuna, used in most canned light tuna products.

What brand of tuna has the least amount of mercury?

Safe Catch Elite Tuna

Safe Catch Elite Tuna, simply the lowest mercury tuna of any brand.

What kind of tuna has the least mercury?

When buying tuna, opt for skipjack or canned light varieties, which do not harbor as much mercury as albacore or bigeye. You can consume skipjack and canned light tuna alongside other low-mercury species, such as cod, crab, salmon and scallops, as part of the recommended 2–3 servings of fish per week ( 10 ).

Does StarKist tuna have mercury?

Canned tuna is safe and canned light meat tuna is listed on the EPA/FDA advisory as one of the fish that has very low levels of methylmercury. The trace levels of methylmercury found in canned tuna are far below the 1.0 parts per million (ppm) standard the FDA has set as safe.

Is chunk light tuna lower in mercury?

Chunk light tuna: “This is typically from yellowfin tuna or skipjack, meaning it’s lower in calories and fat and therefore lower in omegas and lower in mercury,” Rissetto said.

Is StarKist tuna safe?

We follow a robust testing policy in all of our plants and can assure you that StarKist Tuna is safe to eat and falls well below FDA’s stringent requirements. In general, Americans don’t eat enough seafood. Most of us eat 1 serving or less a week, and women who are pregnant eat even less.

How many cans of tuna can you eat in a week?

Canned light tuna contains the least amount of mercury, and the FDA suggests limiting yourself to no more than 12 ounces a week, or no more than four 3-ounce cans.

Does mercury leave the body?

Most of the metallic mercury will accumulate in your kidneys, but some metallic mercury can also accumulate in the brain. Most of the metallic mercury absorbed into the body eventually leaves in the urine and feces, while smaller amounts leave the body in the exhaled breath.

Can I eat tuna every day?

Eating tuna every day may increase mercury levels in your body. The American Heart Association recommends eating omega-3-rich fish, such as tuna, twice a week for good health. It’s wise, however, to include variety in your tuna diet.

Why you shouldn’t eat canned tuna?

Mercury Poisoning

“All fish have some level of mercury, but that level varies widely; canned tuna has relatively high levels of mercury so its consumption could potentially become harmful above three or so servings a week,” says Andrea Paul, MD, medical advisor to Illuminate Labs.

How long does mercury from tuna stay in the body?

Mercury does not stay in the body forever. It takes about six months to a year to leave the bloodstream once exposure stops. Some researchers think mercury can permanently damage the nervous system in children.