# Mercury levels in Australian and New Zealand tinned tuna

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mercury-levels-in-australian-and-new-zealand-tinned-tuna
> Updated: 2026-08-24T10:01:11.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Information regarding tinned tuna in Australia and New Zealand highlights that mercury levels vary significantly by species. While large predatory fish often contain higher concentrations of mercury, most tinned tuna in the region consists of smaller species such as skipjack and yellowfin.

Because these smaller species are generally younger, they typically contain much lower mercury levels than the larger fish used for fresh tuna steaks. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) utilizes international safety guidelines to determine mercury consumption limits. It is also noted that tuna is always cooked before being packaged in cans.

## Claims

- Mercury levels in seafood vary by species. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Mercury is a naturally occurring element that enters oceans through volcanic activity and rock weathering. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Larger predatory fish like shark, swordfish, and marlin typically contain higher mercury levels than smaller fish. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Most tinned tuna in Australia consists of smaller species like skipjack and yellowfin. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Smaller tuna species generally contain lower levels of mercury than those used for fresh tuna steaks. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) uses international safety guidelines to estimate mercury consumption limits. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Canned tuna is cooked before the packaging process. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Tinned tuna mercury levels vary by species

Mercury levels in tuna vary by species; smaller species like skipjack and yellowfin used in tinned tuna generally have lower mercury content than larger predatory fish.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tinned-tuna-mercury-levels-vary-by-species

### 2026-08-22: Canned tuna nutritional benefits and culinary uses

Canned tuna is a versatile, high-protein food source. While albacore offers a mild flavor, skipjack typically contains lower mercury levels. It can be used in various dishes like salads, melts, and pasta.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canned-tuna-nutritional-benefits-and-culinary-uses

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Cite as: Mercury levels in Australian and New Zealand tinned tuna. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mercury-levels-in-australian-and-new-zealand-tinned-tuna