The French NGO Bloom has warned about a “major health scandal” due to the mercury levels in canned tuna.
Their research, published in October, has had a significant global impact and reignited the debate on food safety in Europe.
Research and Results on Mercury Levels in Tuna
Bloom randomly analyzed 148 tuna cans from five European countries and found mercury contamination in all of them.
One out of ten exceeded the authorized mercury levels for fresh tuna, and some samples contained up to four times the permitted limit.
Biochemist Julie Guterman led the research, reviewing documents from the FAO, WHO, and the EU dating back to the sixties to understand how the limit of 1 milligram of mercury per kilo was set.
Actions and Campaigns
Bloom, together with the NGO Foodwatch, has launched a campaign to pressure national and European authorities to change the current regulations.
Their priority is to apply the strictest standard for mercury currently applied to other fish to tuna and to defend this measure before the European Commission.
EU Response
Stefan de Keersmaecker, EU spokesperson for Health and Food Safety, explained that any reduction in mercury limits is based on “as low as reasonably achievable.”
He emphasized the need to find a balance between consumer protection and the availability of fish in the markets. Current levels can be adjusted if there is clear scientific evidence justifying a reduction.
Role of EFSA and Recommendations
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assesses risks associated with certain contaminants, and the European Commission sets limits based on these evaluations. The EFSA is expecting a new request soon for an assessment of risks and benefits related to fish consumption.
While waiting for stricter limits, Europeans should inform themselves and protect themselves regarding the consumption of canned tuna, which although rich in proteins and omega 3, also contains mercury. Bloom’s research highlights the need to review and update regulations to ensure food safety.
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