How to Find Tuna With a Low Level of Mercury

Deborah Ray read from a report by the Defenders of Wildlife. Defenders of Wildlife had 164 cans of tuna tested by a lab that has been used by the federal government.

• Tuna from Asia had the lowest average levels of mercury
• Tuna from Latin America had the highest mercury levels, with some exceeding the government limit of 1.0 parts per million
• Average mercury content of U.S. tuna was generally lower than imported tuna

The FDA says it's safe to eat two meals a week of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury, such as canned light tuna, shrimp, salmon, pollock, and catfish (a total of 12 ounces). But the agency says to limit albacore, or "white," tuna to one meal per week (6 ounces) because it contains higher levels of mercury. Defenders of Wildlife said people should limit light tuna to one meal each week, instead of two, and avoid canned tuna that says it is imported from Latin America on the label.

When fisherman set nets where there see dolphins swimming, they tend to catch larger, more mature, tuna containing more mercury. To avoid this Defenders of Wildlife recommends dolphin-safe tuna - look for the seal on the can. I would suggest you click the link below and look at Appendix A (pages 26 to 30). Appendix A lists the mercury concentration results (Albacore & Light) by brand, country, type, and ppm from highest ppm to the lowest. Trader Joe's light, in water, Tongol tuna from Thailand was the lowest with 2 cans at .012 ppm, one at .014 ppm, and one at .017 ppm.

Is Our Tuna Family-Safe?/Mercury in America's Favorite Fish

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