How To Avoid Tuna Contaminated With Hepatitis A

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Other Health Risks Associated with Tuna

There are unfortunately other health risks also linked to tuna fish. We are not trying to discourage you from eating this fish. Tuna is a very healthy, protein-rich food. But it is an inconvenient fact that a lot of ocean fish like tuna can become contaminated by exposure to heavy metals like mercury.

The standard advice given for avoiding exposure to mercury and other heavy metals from fish is to simply eat less tuna fish. This applies to both canned fish as well as larger cuts of fish like tuna steak. However, organizations like the FDA and EPA tend to emphasize that it is more important for certain groups of people to reduce their intake of tuna, specifically pregnant and nursing women, women who may become pregnant, and very young children.

According to WebMD, these organizations recommend that the groups of people above limit their consumption of tuna to 12 ounces per week. However, the type of tuna is a relevant factor as well. The solid albacore tuna is known to have slightly higher levels of mercury contamination than the canned light tuna. The 12-ounce rule applies to the light tuna, but the EPA and FDA currently recommend only 6 ounces per week of albacore tuna for the above groups.

At the end of the day, fish is a good thing to eat, and that includes tuna. The combination of protein with high quality omega-3 fats (which many people do not get enough of) is simply too good to pass up. But it is common sense to educate yourself about any potential contaminations or risks associated with certain foods, and that goes for tuna fish as well. In general, tuna remains safe to eat, but just be aware of what the current health and nutrition recommendations are, and make sure your hepatitis A vaccine is current for peace of mind.

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