mercury in canned tuna in Europe

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An exclusive investigation by the NGO BLOOM reveals a major health scandal: 100% of canned tuna tested in Europe contains mercury, a dangerous neurotoxicant. Even more worrying, the study shows that there has been complicity between the authorities and the tuna industry since the 1970s.

Widespread contamination

The 18-month survey of 148 cans from five European countries (Germany, England, Spain, France and Italy) produced alarming results. More than one in two cans (57%) exceeded the strictest maximum mercury limit defined for fish (0.3 mg/kg). A record was even set by a Small Ship can purchased in Paris, with a level 13 times higher than this standard.

A powerful lobby at the helm

The investigation sheds light on how the powerful tuna lobby obtained from the authorities an “acceptable” mercury threshold three times higher for tuna than for other fish. This standard has no health justification: it was set solely to allow the marketing of 95% of tuna production.

Emergency measures called for

Faced with this scandal, BLOOMwhich campaigns against the destruction of the ocean, the climate and artisanal fishermen, and the NGO Foodwatchan agro-industry specialist concerned with consumer protection, are calling for immediate action:

  • Alignment of the permitted mercury threshold in tuna with the strictest standard (0.3 mg/kg).
  • an immediate ban on products exceeding this limit
  • Withdrawal of tuna from school canteens and sensitive establishments
  • Responsible action by major European retailers

Tuna, the most widely consumed fish in Europe (4.9 kg per person per year in France), represents an underestimated health hazard, particularly for pregnant women and young children.



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