is starkist tuna from senegal safe to eat

Is Starkist Tuna From Senegal Safe To Eat? Everything You Need To Know

Tuna is one of the most popular and commonly consumed fish worldwide. Starkist is a well-known brand of canned and pouched tuna that has production facilities across the globe. In recent years, Starkist has expanded operations to Senegal, raising questions around the safety and sustainability of their tuna sourced from this region.

In this article we’ll explore whether or not Starkist tuna from Senegal is safe to eat. We’ll look at the issues around Starkist’s environmental record, fishing and production practices and transparency around sourcing. We’ll also provide tips for choosing sustainable canned tuna and safe seafood options.

Starkist’s History of Environmental Violations

Over the years, Starkist and its parent company Dongwon have received criticism for environmental violations at their processing facilities.

In 2019, Starkist was fined over $84,000 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to comply with regulations around water pollution and hazardous substance releases at their American Samoa tuna cannery. The EPA cited multiple violations related to the facility’s seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plan.

Additionally, a 2021 inspection by the FDA found “serious violations” involving the production of both canned and pouched tuna products by Starkist’s American Samoa facility The FDA stated that the tuna being produced was considered “adulterated” under federal laws

These environmental violations and lack of regulatory compliance raise concerns around the safety and hygiene standards of Starkist’s tuna, including product sourced from Senegal.

Questions Around Fishing and Production Practices

In addition to compliance issues, Starkist has faced criticism for unsustainable fishing and production methods.

Environmental advocates have accused Starkist of contributing to overfishing, bycatch, and habitat destruction through their sourcing practices. They also allege the use of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) in tuna fisheries supplying Starkist, which can negatively impact marine life.

Moreover, Starkist’s lack of transparency around fishing locales and methods makes it difficult to ascertain the sustainability and safety of their tuna. Their Senegal facility sources tuna from the Atlantic Ocean, but details are scarce regarding precisely where and how it is caught.

This opacity contrasts with more sustainable tuna brands that prioritize traceability and responsible fishing practices. So for consumers concerned about overfishing and ocean health, Starkist’s production methods are worrisome.

Is Starkist Tuna from Senegal Safe to Eat?

Given the concerns around Starkist’s environmental track record and fishing practices, is their tuna from Senegal safe to consume?

According to the FDA, canned light tuna generally has low levels of mercury and is safe to eat in moderation. However, Starkist produces white albacore tuna as well, which tends to have higher mercury content.

During pregnancy, it’s especially important to pay attention to mercury levels in tuna. The EPA and FDA provide guidelines around recommended intake levels for pregnant women and children.

While Starkist claims that their tuna is rigorously tested for safety and mercury levels, their lack of transparency makes these assertions difficult to verify. Ultimately, it’s a judgment call for consumers regarding their comfort level with Starkist’s product.

Those seeking a more cautious approach may want to avoid Starkist tuna from Senegal, or limit their intake to occasional light tuna-based meals. Pregnant women, in particular, may choose to purchase tuna from brands with greater supply chain transparency and verified sustainable practices.

The Importance of Sustainable and Transparent Seafood Sourcing

The concerns around Starkist tuna highlight the importance of sustainable and ethical seafood sourcing.

Overfishing is a huge threat to ocean ecosystems and fish populations. Responsible sourcing practices like using pole and line caught tuna, limiting bycatch, and avoiding FADs are essential for protecting marine life.

Transparent sourcing enables consumers to make informed choices aligning with their values around sustainability and social responsibility. Brands committed to transparency provide details like fishing locales, gear types, and third-party verifications.

Supporting companies dedicated to sustainable fishing promotes better practices industry-wide. It also helps safeguard seafood supplies for future generations.

In contrast, opaque supply chains hide potential issues around overfishing, pollution, and labor abuses. So transparent sourcing should be top of mind for all seafood purchasers, whether consumers or businesses.

Tips for Choosing Safe and Sustainable Canned Tuna

If you want to enjoy canned tuna but have concerns around Starkist’s practices, here are some tips for making responsible choices:

• Look for the blue Marine Stewardship Council label indicating certified sustainable seafood. MSC-approved tuna comes from well-managed fisheries.

• Choose pole and line or troll/pole caught tuna. These selective fishing methods produce little bycatch. Tuna caught through purse seining and longlining tends to be less sustainable.

• Opt for skipjack tuna or light tuna which are lower mercury species. Limit intake of albacore to no more than 6 ounces (170g) per week to reduce mercury exposure.

• Prioritize eating in season to reduce demand for canned varieties when fresh is available. The Seafood Watch guide helps identify sustainable in-season seafood options.

• Check ratings on sites like Seafood Watch and FishWatch. They provide sustainability recommendations for all types of seafood including canned tuna.

• Look for brands that are transparent about fishing locales and methods. Support companies dedicated to improving their environmental practices over time.

• Reduce tuna consumption to lower demand for overfished populations. Supplement with sustainable seafood rich in omega-3s like salmon, sardines, and oysters.

By making informed choices around sourcing, we can all promote more responsible fishing practices that help maintain thriving oceans and seafood supplies. When buying canned tuna, be sure to do your research to find brands aligned with your sustainability values.

The Bottom Line

Starkist’s troubling history of environmental violations and lack of supply chain transparency raise valid concerns about the safety and sustainability of their tuna. Their expansion into Senegal adds further uncertainty, given the dearth of details around fishing methods and locales.

While canned light tuna is generally considered low risk in terms of mercury exposure, Starkist’s albacore tuna may be riskier, especially for pregnant women. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to weigh these factors when deciding whether or not to consume Starkist tuna from Senegal.

Those seeking a more precautionary approach can turn to alternative brands that prioritize transparency, responsible fishing methods, and third-party sustainability certifications. Armed with the right information, we can all make seafood choices that align with our personal values and help safeguard the health of our oceans.