Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 23 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 January 2006. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 February 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Tuna (Mercury Levels)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment she has made of the level of mercury in (a) tinned tuna and (b) tinned yellowfin tuna.

Answer: A survey published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in 2003 found that the mean level of mercury in canned tuna sold in the United Kingdom was 0.19 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). All the samples were below the statutory limit for mercury in tuna of one mg/kg. The only sample of canned yellowfin in the survey had one of the lowest mercury levels found in canned tuna (0.05 mg/kg). The FSA advice is that pregnant women and women who intend to become pregnant should limit their consumption of tuna to no more than four medium size cans per week or two fresh tuna steaks.

Secondary information