EFSA concluded that limiting consumption of fish with high mercury content is the most effective way to achieve the health benefits of fish whilst minimising the risks posed by excessive exposure to mercury. EFSA recommends that individual member states consider their national patterns of fish consumption and assess the risks of mercury consumption against the health benefits of eating fish.
The FSA already has advice on this issue for UK consumers, and is reminding people of the importance of following the recommendations in the light of EFSA’s review.
Read the adviceWhen pregnant, you should also limit the amount of tuna you eat to:
- no more than two tuna steaks a week (about 140g cooked or 170g raw each), or
- four medium-sized cans of tuna a week (about 140g when drained)
Children, pregnant women and women who are trying to get pregnant should not eat shark, swordfish or marlin. This is because they contain more mercury than other fish.
Other adults should have no more than one portion of shark, swordfish or marlin per week.