Recent tests reveal that tinned tuna sold in Europe contains alarming levels of mercury, surpassing the safe limits set for other fish species. The NGOs Bloom and Foodwatch urge immediate action from authorities to reduce these limits to safeguard public health.
Tinned tuna, a staple in many European households, has been flagged by environmental organizations for containing hazardous levels of mercury. A worrying investigation conducted by the NGO Bloom revealed that the canned tuna sampled across various countries—specifically the UK, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain—holds mercury concentrations exceeding the safe limit of 0.3 milligrams per kilogram, a threshold set for other fish species. Remarkably, the testing process uncovered that every one of the 148 tins assessed bore signs of mercury contamination. Bloom’s research showcased a grim reality where over half of the tuna tins had mercury levels that greatly surpassed this limit. The NGO criticized the existing regulations, which permit a maximum mercury level of 1 milligram per kilogram for tuna, suggesting these were set to facilitate the sale of the vast majority of catch, thus prioritizing commerce over health. They argued, “Mercury is not less toxic if it’s ingested through tuna, only the concentration of mercury counts,” highlighting the perilous nature of these fish. The presence of mercury—often a sinister byproduct of industrial activities like coal power generation—transforms into its more toxic form, methylmercury, once it amalgamates with oceanic bacteria, posing significant threats to human health, notably to the nervous system. Environmental advocates from Bloom and the consumer rights group Foodwatch are calling upon European authorities to harmonize the mercury limits for tuna with the stricter regulations applied to other fishes and to take immediate action to safeguard public health. They demand, “We demand that the public authorities strengthen regulation and, without delay, that distributors do not sell products over the most protective level.”
The contamination of tinned tuna with dangerous levels of mercury is an alarming public health issue. Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, often enters water systems through atmospheric deposition from industrial activities, notably coal emissions. Once in the marine environment, mercury is converted into methylmercury, a highly toxic compound that bioaccumulates in the food chain, particularly in large predatory fish like tuna. The World Health Organization recognizes mercury as one of the most concerning substances due to its detrimental effects on human neurological health. Therefore, the discrepancy in mercury tolerance levels between tuna and other fish species raises questions about the safety regulations currently in place, especially amidst growing concerns from health organizations and environmental groups about consumer safety and fisheries management.
The findings surrounding mercury contamination in tinned tuna highlight a critical need for revised regulatory measures in Europe. With environmental groups advocating for stricter limits on mercury levels in tuna to align with those imposed on other fish, the health and safety of consumers may be at risk if action is not promptly taken. The potential neurological impacts of mercury exposure further underscore the urgency for government and retail intervention to protect public health.
Original Source: www.france24.com
Leave a Reply