URGENT WARNING ISSUED REGARDING TINS OF TUNA AND ‘COLOSSAL RISK TO PUBLIC HEALTH’
Experts have recently issued a dire warning regarding the potential toxic threat present in tins of tuna sold in the UK. A study conducted across France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Britain discovered the presence of Methylmercury, a dangerous metal known to pose significant risks, especially to pregnant women and children, and has been linked to cancer. Out of the 150 cans tested, almost all were found to be contaminated with this harmful metal, which can impede brain development and even cause fatal lung damage.
The researchers behind this investigation are raising the alarm, labelling the findings as “a colossal risk to public health.” They are advocating for immediate action from the government to address this pressing issue. Karine Jacquemart, CEO of Foodwatch France, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “What we end up with on our dinner plates is a colossal risk to public health that’s not considered seriously. We won’t give up until we have a more protective European standard.”
Under current EU and UK regulations, the legal mercury limit in tuna is set at 1 mg/kg, while for other fish like cod, it stands at 0.3 mg/kg. However, the research by Foodwatch and Paris-based NGO Bloom revealed mercury in all 148 tested tins, with 57% exceeding the 0.3 mg/kg threshold. One tin from a store in Paris displayed an alarming 3.9 mg/kg of mercury, surpassing the limit by thirteen times.
In response to these concerning levels of contamination, Bloom and Foodwatch are urging European countries to take immediate action by invoking a safeguard clause to halt the sale and promotion of products exceeding the 0.3 mg/kg threshold. Additionally, they are calling for a ban on all tuna-containing products in various settings such as school canteens, nurseries, maternity wards, hospitals, and care homes.
The average European consumes over 2.8 kilos of tuna annually, equating to about 25 cans per person. Mercury released into the atmosphere from natural and human activities, such as burning coal, ultimately ends up in the ocean, where it transforms into a toxic compound called methylmercury. This substance accumulates in top predators like tuna due to their position in the food chain, causing health risks such as kidney and nervous system damage, vision problems, and increased cardiovascular disease risk.
It is crucial to note that pregnant women and children are at a heightened risk of adverse effects from elevated methylmercury levels, according to the World Health Organisation. Moreover, studies have indicated that exposure to certain forms of mercury, in high doses, can lead to the development of various tumours in animals.
In light of these findings, it is imperative for authorities to take swift and decisive action to safeguard public health and prevent further exposure to this hazardous metal through contaminated tuna products. Stay informed and vigilant about the products you consume to ensure your well-being and that of your loved ones.