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What is the problem with mercury in fish?
Food Standards Agency - Questions and Answers
Nearly all fish contain traces of mercury and in most fish this is not a problem. But certain fish contain relatively higher levels of mercury.
Who could be affected by the mercury and why?
This is primarily an issue for pregnant women, women who intend to become pregnant and women who are breastfeeding. This is because of the possible risks to the developing nervous system of the unborn child and to an infant, if the mother were breastfeeding.
Which fish are we talking about?
Mothers to be and breastfeeding mothers should avoid shark, marlin and swordfish. They should also limit their consumption of tuna.
What about children?
Children under 16 should avoid shark, marlin and swordfish, but they can still eat tuna.
What about other people?
High levels of mercury can affect anyone, but while no one else needs to avoid shark, marlin and swordfish, the Agency does advise limiting its consumption to once a week.
Can I still eat tuna?
Yes, everyone can still eat tuna. But the mercury that it contains means that the Agency is advising that if you are pregnant, intending to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you shouldn’t eat more than two medium-sized cans or one fresh tuna steak per week. This is comparable to six rounds of tuna sandwiches or three tuna salads per week.
What about children and any other adults?
This advice does not apply to children or any other adults.
I’m pregnant and have been eating a lot of tuna, have I harmed my child?
Although this cannot be ruled out, you are unlikely to have caused your unborn child any harm, as this is a precautionary limit with a safety margin built in. But to be on the safe side, you should now limit the amount of tuna you eat.
I’m pregnant and want to still eat fish, what should I do?
You should not eat shark, marlin or swordfish and you should limit your consumption of tuna. Everyday favourites like cod, haddock and plaice are not affected at all by this advice. And there are other oily fish with known health benefits that you can eat as an alternative to fresh tuna, such as mackerel, herring, pilchard, sardine, trout or salmon.
Is fish still an important part of a healthy diet?
Yes. And most of us don’t eat enough of it. The Agency recommends that people eat at least two portions of fish a week, one of which should be oily, as oily fish provide known health benefits, such as containing nutrients that protect against heart disease.
Why is this advice being issued now?
Because independent scientific experts have looked carefully at the levels of mercury in certain fish and the possible risks it could pose, particularly in relation to the developing nervous system of the unborn child and infant. Because of those possible risks, they have recommended a more precautionary approach to advising the groups it could affect. The safety guideline they have applied is almost five times lower than that for the general population
Please click here for further information:
Statement on a survey of mercury in fish and shellfish ~ Committee on Toxicity
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