Tuna advice updated
Wednesday 24 March 2004
Pregnant women, and women who are intending to become pregnant, can now eat up to four medium-size cans or two tuna steaks a week according to updated Food Standards Agency advice issued today.
The Agency is updating its advice in light of a new opinion from the independent expert Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT).
The Committee revised its opinion following the release of updated guidelines from the World Health Organization on the levels of mercury in fish. This advice has led the Agency to now relax its guidance to pregnant women on eating tuna in particular, doubling the maximum amount previously recommended.
A survey carried out by the FSA in 2002 revealed relatively high levels of mercury in tuna, marlin, swordfish and shark. The FSA requested advice from the Committee on Toxicity and, in line with the Committee's opinion, issued guidance because the mercury in these fish can harm an unborn baby or a developing baby's nervous system.
Advice not to eat shark, swordfish or marlin remains unchanged for pregnant women, women intending to become pregnant and children under 16. However, a weekly portion of these fish would not be harmful for other adults and there are no reasons for children and other adults to restrict the amount of tuna they eat.