Canned tuna is a popular choice for a quick, healthy meal. Many people love it for its convenience and think it’s a safe, nutritious option. But a new study has brought up a serious concern: some of these tuna cans may not be as safe as we think. The study tested 150 cans of tuna bought across Europe, including in the UK, and the results were shocking.

What’s the Big Deal?

The study found that almost every can of tuna tested had a toxic metal called methylmercury. This metal isn’t just harmful; it’s especially dangerous for pregnant women and young children. Methylmercury can harm the brain, nervous system, and even has links to cancer. Imagine eating what you thought was a safe meal, only to find out it could make you sick in the long run.

The risk is so high that experts are calling this a “colossal threat” to public health. Foodwatch, a group focused on food safety, and another organization called Bloom were behind this research. They tested cans of tuna from places like the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy and discovered methylmercury in nearly every can. Over half of these cans had mercury levels that went above the safe limits set by European and UK guidelines.

How Dangerous Is Methylmercury?

Methylmercury is a chemical that’s created when mercury mixes with certain bacteria in water. It’s a big issue in fish because it builds up in the food chain. Fish at the top of the chain, like tuna, end up with higher levels of this toxin.

What’s scary is that methylmercury can have serious long-term effects on health. For pregnant women, it can affect the brain development of the unborn baby, leading to problems that can last a lifetime. For young children, even small amounts can impact their growing brains and nervous systems, making it harder for them to learn and develop.

Alarming Findings

One of the most shocking discoveries was a tuna can from a store in Paris. This particular can had mercury levels that were 13 times above the safe limit! Such high levels can lead to serious health risks, yet this product was still available on store shelves.

Because of this, the researchers are pushing for urgent action. They want the government to remove high-mercury tuna from places like schools, hospitals, and care homes. After all, people in these places, including young children, patients, and the elderly, are among those most vulnerable to mercury’s harmful effects.

Current Safety Limits and Why They May Not Be Enough

Right now, European and UK regulations set the mercury limit in tuna at 1 milligram per kilogram (mg/kg) and 0.3 mg/kg for other fish like cod. But the study showed that 57% of the tuna cans exceeded even the lower 0.3 mg/kg threshold, which is quite concerning.

Foodwatch France’s CEO, Karine Jacquemart, spoke out about this issue. She stated, “What we end up with on our dinner plates is a colossal risk to public health that’s not considered seriously.” Foodwatch and Bloom want European countries to enforce stricter safety limits on mercury in tuna. They are also urging countries to use a “safeguard clause” that would stop the sale of any tuna cans exceeding safe mercury levels.

What You Can Do

It’s clear that change needs to happen at the government level, but what can we do as consumers in the meantime? Here are a few practical tips:

Limit Tuna Intake: Try not to eat tuna every day. Vary your diet by eating other types of fish or protein sources that are less likely to have high mercury levels.
Choose Light Tuna: Light tuna tends to have less mercury compared to albacore or other types of tuna. Although this isn’t a foolproof solution, it can help reduce exposure.
Be Informed: Stay updated with food safety news. Following the latest research can help you make better choices for yourself and your family.
Check Labels: Some brands might start adding more information about mercury levels or sourcing. Look for labels or certifications that signal safer, cleaner fish sources.

Why This Matters for Everyone

Even if you don’t eat a lot of tuna, this issue matters. Tuna is one of the most popular canned fish worldwide, and the average European eats about 2.8 kilos of tuna each year—roughly 25 cans! That’s a lot of exposure to potential toxins. If mercury levels aren’t regulated, everyone is at risk, especially those most vulnerable like children and pregnant women.

The Call for Change

Experts are urging governments to act fast. They believe that, until stricter standards are in place, products that are unsafe should be removed from stores. If nothing is done, many people could continue eating these contaminated foods without knowing the risks. Removing high-mercury tuna from places where children, patients, and elderly people eat would be a good start, according to Foodwatch and Bloom.

The best outcome would be if governments put in place stricter mercury limits for tuna and other fish. This would protect consumers and make sure that everyone can enjoy tuna without worrying about hidden health dangers.

A Final Thought

This study is a reminder that we need to be careful about what we eat. Just because something is on a store shelf doesn’t always mean it’s safe. Hopefully, with enough awareness, the government will take action to make sure our food is as safe as possible. Until then, it’s up to each of us to make informed choices and stay cautious about what we put on our plates.