Gavin Gibbons from NFI deems Consumer Reports' analysis is another 'disappointing, but not surprising,' tale. (Photo. Stock File/FIS)

New warning against canned tuna stirs controversy

A new analysis from Consumer Reports states pregnant women should avoid all canned tuna, considering the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ‘underestimates the actual amount of mercury in each can.’

Despite this concern, the FDA stands by their recommendation: “Based on a review of the latest science, we have concluded that it is possible for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and women who might become pregnant, to increase growth and developmental benefits to their children by eating more fish than these groups of women typically do. This can be done while still protecting them from the potentially harmful effects of methylmercury in fish.”

In view of this situation, National Fisheries Institute (NFI) considers that “Consumer Reports does disservice to pregnant women with absurd tuna guidance” and claims that “Consumer Reports has long history of agenda-driven tuna reports that fly in the face of decade’s worth of independent, peer-reviewed science.”

After recalling that on 25 June the NFI had warned that Consumer Reports “was gearing up for another tuna story,” the non-profit organisation points out that "it is disappointing but not surprising" that the group produced another “tuna tale with a disproportionate focus on mercury and out-of-step nutrition recommendations.”

The FDA has released an update on the issue stating that "The Consumer Reports analysis is limited in that it focuses exclusively on the mercury levels in fish without considering the known positive nutritional benefits attributed to fish.”

"Studies with pregnant women in particular have consistently found that fish is important for growth and development before birth," the statement added.

Whereas Consumer Reports considers that vulnerable groups will benefit if they consume 8 to 12 ounces per week of lower mercury fish such as wild salmon, shrimp, sardines, tilapia and scallops, they urge FDA to immediately repost its chart “Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish and Shellfish (1990-2010),” in its original form, listing Lower Levels of Mercury, which was removed from the FDA website earlier in August.

In its analysis, Consumer Reports has identified a list of about 20 fish that women of childbearing age can consume 18 ounces of—and for some fish even more—per week and not exceed the the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reference dose.

According to EPA, pregnant women who consume high amounts of fish having high mercury level risk neurological damage to the fetus. High levels have been reported in swordfish, king mackerel, shellfish, and canned tuna, which is the second most commonly eaten seafood.
 

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