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FDA Finds High Mercury Levels in Some Canned Light Tuna

February 6, 2006

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The Food and Drug Administration has entered the debate over mercury levels in canned tuna, saying newly released data shows some cans of light tuna contain excessive levels of the toxic substance.

The FDA said its tests found that six percent of canned light tuna contained large amounts of mercury, which has been linked to learning disabilities in children and neurological problems in adults.

In the past the agency has recommended canned light tuna as a good choice for pregnant women and children.

The health agency also said it found high mercury levels in samples of Chilean sea bass, which is often sold in restaurants. Significant levels were also detected in big-eye tuna, which is sometime used to make sushi.

So far, the U.S. government has not issued officials warnings about the fish, even though the average mercury level detected in the tests was above the average in albacore tuna, about which the government has issued warnings, at least for pregnant women and young children.

The FDA tested more than 25 kinds of fish between 2001 and 2005. The agency said it delayed releasing its findings so scientists could complete an analysis.

High levels of mercury -- which accumulates in the environment, as well as in the flesh of fish and the bodies of those who eat fish -- have been shown to contribute to birth defects and other health problems, and several studies have demonstrated a subtle loss of mental acuity in the offspring of women who consume fish during pregnancy.

FDA and Environmental Protection Agency warnings issued in 2005 advise young children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and women of childbearing age to avoid consuming swordfish, king mackerel, shark and tilefish because of high mercury levels.

The warning also recommends that those groups eat no more than 12 ounces of fish weekly and eat no more than six ounces of canned albacore tuna weekly.

Tests Questioned

Some experts have questioned FDA's data-gathering process. According to the Chicago Tribune, FDA tested a mixture of samples from 12 cans of tuna during the study instead of testing individual cans.

"It would cost 12 times as much to test 12 separate cans and then average the data, which is what we would have to do," an unnamed FDA official said.

During the testing, one sample's mercury levels were recorded at 0.72 parts per million, which might indicate some of the samples in the mixture contained higher levels, according to the Tribune.

Jane Hightower, a San Francisco-based internist who treats patients with mercury-related conditions, called the process "incredibly disturbing," adding, "That is falsifying data as far as I am concerned," the Tribune reported.

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