November 24, 2023
We appreciate the opportunity to comment and support the FDA’s proposed rule regarding: “Fish and Shellfish; Canned Tuna Standard of Identity and Standard of Fill of Container”
The National Center for Health Research (NCHR) is a nonprofit think tank that conducts, analyzes, and scrutinizes research on a range of health issues, with a particular focus on which prevention strategies are most beneficial for patients and consumers. We do not accept funding from companies that make products that are the subject of our work, so we have no conflicts of interest.
The FDA proposes this rule to standardize canned tuna identity and container fill methods. We do not disagree with the proposed rule but are disappointed that the FDA is focusing on these issues while ignoring the more important issue regarding the potentially dangerous levels of methylmercury in canned tuna, especially for children and pregnant women. Canned tuna is a very popular source of fish for American consumers, but many are unaware that eating canned tuna, and especially albacore tuna, is exposing them to levels of methylmercury exceeding the danger zone of 1 part per million.[1] Methylmercury can cause paresthesia, slurred speech, muscle weakness, and blurred vision in adults and children. Research also suggests prenatal and infant exposure can affect attention span, language, visual-spatial skills, memory, and coordination.[1]
We note that canned albacore tuna has a warning for possible bones in the product, but no warning for methylmercury. To protect American consumers, it is crucial for the FDA to reassess its regulations regarding methylmercury in canned tuna. At the very least, labeling should clearly warn about methylmercury exposures, especially for children and pregnant women.
[1] “Can Eating Fish Be Dangerous? The Facts About Methylmercury | National Center for Health Research.” n.d. Accessed November 22, 2023. https://www.center4research.org/can-eating-fish-dangerous-facts-methlymercury/.