The Mercury Content in Canned Tuna: How Much is Too Much?

Canned tuna is a staple in many Australian households, offering an affordable and nutritious source of protein. However, concerns have been raised about the mercury content in canned tuna, particularly among pregnant women and young children. In this article, we'll delve into the facts about mercury in canned tuna and provide guidance on how much you can safely consume.

Mercury concentrations are higher in predatory fish such as tuna, and generally increase with age and size. While smaller species of tuna like skipjack and yellowfin are commonly used in canned tuna brands sold at Australian supermarkets, some scientists have expressed concerns about the mercury levels in these products.

One of the main issues is that mercury can biomagnify in fish, particularly predatory fish like tuna. This means that as smaller fish get eaten by larger fish, the mercury content builds up. The bigger the fish, the higher the likely mercury content. In other words, it's not just the tuna you eat directly that contains mercury, but also the fish that are caught and sold as fillets or canned goods.

According to lab tests conducted for the ABC TV science program Catalyst in 2015, depending on your body weight and the exact brand of tuna you buy, you could eat anywhere between 25 and 35 small tins (95g or 3.3 ounces each) of tuna a week before reaching maximum mercury limits.

While canned tuna generally has lower levels of mercury than tuna fillets due to the use of smaller species and younger fish, it's still important to be mindful of your consumption. Food Standards Australia New Zealand states that it is safe for everyone, including pregnant women, to consume canned tuna as part of their fish intake.

So, how much can you eat before worrying about mercury? The answer lies in individual tolerance levels and the specific type of tuna consumed. A tin of tuna is a relatively small amount of protein compared to other sources like meat or poultry. For as little as AU$1 ($0.75) a tin, canned tuna is an affordable source of nutrients.

In conclusion, while it's essential to be aware of mercury in canned tuna, the good news is that it's safe for most people to consume small amounts as part of their fish intake. By being mindful of your consumption and choosing reputable brands, you can enjoy the benefits of canned tuna without compromising on health concerns.

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