Consumer Reports: Pregnant Women Should Steer Clear of Canned Tuna

New information from Consumer Reports warns pregnant women to steer clear of canned tuna. Researchers found that the mercury levels in the product were too high for anyone who is pregnant, breast-feeding or trying to become pregnant.

"We're particularly concerned about canned tuna, which is second only to shrimp as the most commonly eaten seafood in the United States," said Jean Halloran, director of food policy initiatives for Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, in a news release. "We encourage pregnant women to avoid all tuna."

The findings somewhat refute earlier information presented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that proposed pregnant women receive a minimum weekly level of fish consumption for the first time. FDA officials had pushed for the new recommendation after an earlier study revealed that as many as one in five women were avoiding fish during pregnancy.

"Emerging science now tells us that limiting or avoiding fish during pregnancy and early childhood can mean missing out on important nutrients that can have a positive impact on growth and development as well as on general health," added Stephen Ostroff, the FDA's acting chief scientist, in a statement.

Pregnant women can still receive the recommended eight to 12 ounces of fish regularly if they pick from other options, including salmon, scallops, shrimp and tilapia--all which contain high levels of protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids.

As for canned tuna, officials recommend that they stay away from these options all-together. Findings have shown that 20 percent of even the light canned tuna samples tested in 2005 carried twice as much mercury as what the FDA says is the average amount; this can make it difficult for buyers to know which cans of tuna might have acceptable mercury levels.

Mercury can cause damage to many parts of the body, including the lungs, kidneys and nervous system. Particularly for pregnant women who may be exposed to mercury during their pregnancy, this can cause brain damage as well as hearing and vision problems for the child, in severe cases.