2024-10-29 10:07:00
October 29, 2024
A study carried out by the NGOs Bloom and Foodwatch reveals a worrying situation regarding canned tuna marketed in Europe. After analyzing 148 cans, the results are clear: 100% of the samples contain mercury. A health scandal in sight?
Tuna is both the most consumed fish in Europe… but also the one that contains the most mercury. In a report entitled “ Poison in fish, Chronicle of a health scandal » , published this October 29, the Bloom association and the NGO Foodwatch reveal that all canned tuna sold in Europe is contaminated with mercury. And more than one in two cans (57%) exceed the maximum mercury limit defined for fish.
« Of the 148 boxes tested, a box of the Petit Navire brand purchased in a Parisian Carrefour City showed a record content of 3.9 mg/kg, i.e. 13 times higher than that of species subject to the standard. the most restrictive of 0.3 mg/kg (like cod) », alerts Bloom. The NGO also explains that tuna is entitled to an exemption authorizing thresholds of 1 mg of mercury per kilo. But no health reason justifies this difference of 0.3mg and 1mg: “ mercury is not less toxic if ingested via tuna » lance Bloom. « Due to the dangers posed by regular ingestion of mercury, even at low doses, all cans exceeding the standard of 0.3 mg/kg should be banned from sale. » This is obviously not the case.
What risks are we talking about?
Mercury is naturally present in the earth’s crust. If it is released by natural phenomena (volcanoes, erosion, etc.), it is mainly human activities (power plants, coal-fired plants, etc.) which are responsible for this release. Once in the environment, mercury will transform into methylmercury, which will accumulate in fish and shellfish.
« Methylmercury is toxic to the human central nervous system, particularly during in utero development and early childhood. », recalls the National Health Security Agency (ANSES). “ This substance can thus cause mild behavioral disorders or developmental delays in children exposed in utero or after birth, even in the absence of signs of toxicity in the mother.. »
Quick measurements
Faced with this situation, Bloom and Foodwatch are calling for emergency measures:
Alignment of tuna standards with the strictest threshold (0.3 mg/kg); The immediate ban on products exceeding this threshold; The removal of tuna from establishments welcoming sensitive audiences.
Source : – Considered
Written by: Vincent Roche – Edited by: Emmanuel Ducreuzet
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