How Much Mercury Is in Tuna?
Some, and it depends on the tuna. The FDA says nearly all fish and shellfish contain trace amounts of methylmercury and that most types do not have levels that would result in health effects for adults, but tuna that are bigger or live longer tend to have higher mercury levels.
The FDA and EPA put canned light tuna in their best choices group, albacore or white tuna and yellowfin in their good choices group, and bigeye tuna among the choices to avoid. The FDA says albacore typically contains three times more mercury than canned light tuna. For adults, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 8 ounces of fish a week on a 2,000 calorie diet.
The EPA says CDC data show most people have blood mercury levels below those associated with possible health effects, but that methylmercury is a powerful neurotoxin and people exposed to high levels may experience adverse effects. In adults exposed to harmful levels, the FDA says symptoms may include depression or memory problems, numbness or muscle weakness, difficulty with speech, hearing or vision, a metallic taste and problems with balance.
Sources checked September 15, 2026. Every point below links the page it came from.
The sources behind this answer
- Government sourceThe FDA says bigger or longer-lived tuna tend to have higher mercury, so canned light tuna is a Best Choice, albacore (white) and yellowfin are Good Choices, and bigeye tuna is a Choice to Avoid. US FDA ↗
- Government sourceThe FDA says albacore tuna, also known as white tuna, typically contains three times more mercury than canned light tuna. US FDA ↗
- Government sourceThe FDA notes that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 8 ounces of fish per week for adults, based on a 2,000 calorie diet. US FDA ↗
- Government sourceThe FDA says nearly all fish and shellfish contain trace amounts of methylmercury, and that most types do not have levels that would result in health effects for adults. US FDA ↗
- Government sourceThe FDA says symptoms in adults exposed to harmful levels of methylmercury may include depression or memory problems, numbness or muscle weakness, difficulty with speech, hearing or vision, a metallic taste and balance problems. US FDA ↗
- Government sourceThe EPA says CDC data show most people have blood mercury levels below those associated with possible health effects, but that methylmercury is a powerful neurotoxin and high exposures may cause adverse effects. US EPA ↗
Sources checked September 15, 2026. A brand statement is the company’s own claim, which we report but have not verified. Our grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests.