Agency Takes Multiple Steps to Combat Mercury Pollution
Mercury Controversy in Tuna: Six Months Later
By Camille Harel
After the alarming exposé by NGOs Bloom and Foodwatch, Brussels has finally assembled representatives from member states on May 6, six months later, to discuss tightening the rules on mercury in canned tuna. Will the regulations prioritize consumer health?
© Richard Villalon/AdobeStock
The horns sounded, and European authorities sprang into action. On May 6, following the shattering revelations of mercury contamination in canned tuna exposed by Bloom and Foodwatch, the European Commission has gathered member states in secret meetings. Their official rationale? A potential "evaluation of the current maximum mercury level in fresh tuna and the potential establishment of a maximum level for mercury in canned tuna," as confirmed in a letter from the European Commission to Bloom, dated April 8, 2025. Translation: they're considering tightening the rules.
This hazardous neurotoxin, even in microscopic amounts, can trigger severe developmental neurological issues in children, and in adults, it can inflict damage on brain, cardiovascular, immune, renal, and reproductive systems. Created by coal combustion and mining activities, this pollutant primarily exists in the atmosphere as gas before precipitating into the oceans through rainfall. Today, tuna, along with swordfish and shark, represent top ocean predators, feeding on already tainted fish. Consequently, mercury levels in tuna are ten times higher than those of smaller species.
The 1 mg barrier has been in place for 30 years
Since 1993, the European Union has accepted up to 1 mg of mercury per kilogram of fresh tuna. This ceiling is more than three times higher than the limit for other fresh fish species (0.3 mg/kg), a threshold that NGOs deem reckless. As Bloom points out, "a single weekly serving of tuna at this level poses a genuine health risk for anyone under 70 kg." The organization demands a lower limit for mercury contamination in tuna, set at 0.3 mg/kg, public disclosure of France's stance on the issue, and the publication of meeting minutes in Brussels.
The French Come Under Fire
In a report released in October 2024, out of 148 cans of tuna samples from France, Germany, England, Spain, and Italy, 100% demonstrated mercury contamination. Around 10% exceeded the current norm applicable to fresh tuna, with no standard in place for canned tuna[1]. Among the suspect brands, Petit Navire, a French subsidiary of Thai Union Frozen, garnered particular attention, with mercury content reaching a staggering 3.9 mg/kg, 13 times higher than the average mercury levels in other fish species[2]. But Petit Navire is not the only brand under scrutiny. Canned tuna bearing store-brand labels, such as Carrefour and Lidl, also showcased high mercury content.
Sales Decline by 10 to 20%
The tuna tumult has plunged sales by 10 to 20% between November 2024 and February 2025, while uncertainty lingers among the 26 million European households. The value of tuna sales remains in decline, with a 3.7% decrease observed in March 2025 - a testament to the lingering impact of the scandal[3].
Sadly, despite efforts to reduce mercury emissions, environmental activists and scientists warn that it may take years before these reductions are reflected in mercury levels found in fish[4].
New Rules on the Horizon?
Will the Brussels summit pave the way for more stringent regulations and safer tuna consumption for all? Watch this space!
See more articles on * food * consumption * Health
The European Commission's secret meetings, instigated by the mercury contamination revelations in canned tuna, could lead to stricter regulations on mercury levels.
With the current standard of 1 mg of mercury per kilogram of fresh tuna being three times higher than the limit for other fresh fish species, NGOs are pushing for a lower limit of 0.3 mg/kg in tuna.
Scientists and activists caution that it may take years for reduced mercury emissions to reflect in fish, making stricter policy and legislation in the health-and-wellness, food-and-drink, and policy-and-legislation sectors crucial.
Amidst the controversy, sales of tuna have declined by 10 to 20% due to consumer concern, highlighting the impact of general-news and lifestyle choices on the market.
