The investigation carried out by the NGO Bloom raises major concerns about mercury contamination in canned tuna.
Exceeding mercury thresholds
The study shows that all cans of tuna analyzed contain mercury, and that 57% of the 148 samples taken in five European countries, including France, exceed the mercury thresholds set for conventional fish.
Serious health risks
For François Sichel, Teacher-Researcher in Toxicology at the University of Caen, mercury is a powerful neurotoxicant, particularly dangerous in the event of repeated consumption. Consuming tuna with mercury levels above 1 mg/kg, as found in this survey, poses serious health risks.
Attention to vulnerable populations
The main risks are neurological, paresthesias (tingling) and disorders of visual motor functions. The toxic effects of mercury are exacerbated in vulnerable populations, particularly fetuses, infants and young children.
Tips to avoid harmful effects
Health agencies advise limiting tuna consumption to once or twice a week for adults, and even less for children and pregnant women. Beyond this frequency, the risk of accumulation and the harmful effects on the nervous system increase significantly.
 Didier Galibert
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04/11/2024 | 
