Two familiar US brands, StarKist and Chicken of the Sea, accounted for 60 percent of our light tuna samples. The overall average mercury levels in the two brands were 0.131 and 0.126 µg/g, respectively, and one set of samples of each brand had much higher than aver- age levels.
How much mercury is in a tuna pouch?
An average 5-ounce serving (1 can) of light tuna contains 18.11 micrograms of mercury.
Are tuna packets high in mercury?
Though tuna is very nutritious, it’s also high in mercury compared to most other fish. Therefore, it should be eaten in moderation — not every day. You can eat skipjack and light canned tuna alongside other low-mercury fish a few times each week, but should limit or avoid albacore, yellowfin and bigeye tuna.
Is StarKist tuna pouch healthy?
Most seafood is low in fat, so it’s a great protein choice. One single-serve pouch of StarKist Tuna (2.6 oz) has 17g of protein; it’s a great option as a snack after working out!
How many pouches of tuna can I eat per week?
The United States Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping the consumption of albacore (white) tuna to under 4 ounces per week and skipjack (light) tuna to under 12 ounces per week.
Is it safe to eat tuna in a pouch?
A. Whether fresh, canned, or in pouches, fish is a fantastic alternative to processed lunch meats. Not only is it lower in sodium and other additives, it’s a good source of omega-3 fats and a great way to add protein to your lunch!
What is the healthiest tuna in a pouch?
Best Overall Tuna: StarKist Albacore White Tuna in Water
StarKist albacore was juicy and bright with just the right level of salt. Packed in water, this brand is super healthy—it has 17 grams of protein, 60% of your vitamin 12 for the day and is just 80 calories per package.
Can you eat too many tuna packets?
According to LiveStrong, eating more than the advised amount of tuna each week can result in increased exposure to mercury, a neurotoxin. Mercury poisoning can cause several concerning neurological symptoms, including coordination loss, memory problems, seizures, and tremors.
Which tuna is lowest in mercury?
Canned light tuna is the better, lower-mercury choice, according to the FDA and EPA. Canned white and yellowfin tuna are higher in mercury, but still okay to eat. Bigeye tuna should be avoided completely, but that species isn’t used for canned tuna anyway.
Does mercury leave the body?
Most of the metallic mercury will accumulate in your kidneys, but some metallic mercury can also accumulate in the brain. Most of the metallic mercury absorbed into the body eventually leaves in the urine and feces, while smaller amounts leave the body in the exhaled breath.
Can I eat StarKist Tuna every day?
For albacore tuna, the FDA recommends eating up to 4 oz. a week. All other consumers should aim for 8–12 oz of a variety of seafoods a week as recommended by the American Heart Association and Dietary Guidelines.
Is it better to buy tuna in a can or pouch?
Tuna pouches take up less space than cans and are more flexible, making them easier to store in cabinets or pantries and pack into lunch boxes. Cans are more solid, so they offer more protection for the product inside. Pouches are not reusable, while cans can be recycled, according to Weston.
Is StarKist real tuna?
“StarKist is proud to be the industry leader and consumers can be assured that all of our wild-caught tuna and salmon products are responsibly sourced and certified. StarKist is the first major U.S. tuna and salmon producer to reach this milestone,” Starkist President and CEO Andrew Choe said.
What are the symptoms of mercury poisoning from tuna fish?
Adults with mercury poisoning may experience symptoms such as:
- muscle weakness.
- metallic taste in the mouth.
- nausea and vomiting.
- lack of motor skills or feeling uncoordinated.
- inability to feel in the hands, face, or other areas.
- changes in vision, hearing, or speech.
- difficulty breathing.
Are pouches better than cans?
When it comes to sustainable packaging, the pouch stands out significantly in the area of waste reduction. In a recent Fres-co study comparing the #10 can of tomato paste to a pouch, it was determined that there was an 85% reduction of waste with primary packaging after switching from the can to the pouch.
Which is better starkist or bumblebee?
1. Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore in Vegetable Oil. Bumble Bee calls their products ‘preferred by customers when compared to Starkist’ and a variety of other brands.
What kind of tuna is in starkist pouches?
Reduced Sodium Chunk Light Tuna in Water (Pouch) Albacore White Tuna in Water (Pouch) Albacore White Tuna in Water Low Sodium (Pouch) Wild Pink Salmon (Pouch)
Why does tuna have high mercury?
The heavy metal accumulates in tuna and other fish in an especially toxic form, methylmercury, which comes from mercury released by coal-fired power plants and other industrial or natural sources, such as volcanoes. Fortunately, it’s easy to choose lower-mercury fish that are also rich in healthful omega-3 fatty acids.
How long does mercury from tuna stay in the body?
In humans, if mercury levels in the blood are found to be high, they can take up to 6 months or longer to reduce to a safe level.
Can mercury poisoning be cured?
There’s no cure for mercury poisoning. The best way to treat mercury poisoning is to limit your exposure to the metal. If you eat a lot of mercury-containing seafood, a doctor may caution you to stop immediately.
How often can you eat packaged tuna?
2 to 3 servings per week
Canned light tuna is in the “Best Choices” category and it is fine to eat 2 to 3 servings per week. We recommend that you eat a variety of fish.