Mercury In Fish

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) updated its advice on mercury in fish in March 2004 1. The recommendations relate to pregnant women (as before) and now also to those considering pregnancy and to young children.

Eating a variety of fish is still beneficial in a healthy diet. But there are a variety of groups identified to be consumed in moderation. Intake of shark (flake), broadbill, marlin and swordfish should be limited to no more than one serve per fortnight with no other fish eaten in that time. Orange Roughy (sea Perch) and Cat Fish should only be eaten once per week with no other fish in that time.

While mercury levels in fish are very low, the larger species live for longer periods of time may accumulate higher levels. The recommendations suggest that all population groups limit intake of these fish, but with particular importance for pregnant women, those considering pregnancy and young children (guidelines recommend fish is introduced after eight to nine months of age).2

Some people will ask; Is canned Tuna safe to eat? FSANZ states: Yes, in general it is safe for all population groups including pregnant women to consume two to three serves of any type of tuna per week (fresh or canned). Canned tuna generally has lower levels of mercury than other tuna because the tuna used for canning are smaller species that are generally caught when less than one year old. FSANZ has calculated that it is safe for all population groups to consume a snack can of tuna (95g) everyday, assuming no other fish has been eaten3.

Fish provides protein, omega 3 oils and is an excellent source of iodine. Therefore, people should continue to eat fish regularly, choosing many available species that are not a concern with regard to mercury levels. Only those identified by FSANZ (listed earlier) need to be limited.

1. Food Standards Australia New Zealand Media Release, FSANZ updates advice on mercury in fish. Released 17 March 2004

2. Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Infants and Toddlers (Aged 0-2 years). A Background Paper, Ministry of Health June 2000

3. Further Information: Mercury in Fish is available from www.foodstandards.govt.nz

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