Canned tuna is a pantry staple for many. It’s affordable, non-perishable, and a good source of protein. But over the years, there have been concerns about the safety of canned tuna, especially tuna imported from China. So is canned tuna from China safe to eat?
I did some digging into this question as I eat canned tuna regularly and want to make sure I’m making the healthiest choice for my family. Here’s a breakdown of what I learned:
Why the Concerns About Chinese Canned Tuna?
Several years ago reports surfaced that Chinese companies were canning tuna in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. There were accounts of factory workers handling tuna with bare hands and next to overflowing trash cans.
Additionally, China has a history of safety issues with other imported foods like dog treats, tilapia, and apples. So when it came to canned tuna, consumers became wary.
However many health and industry experts believe these concerns are outdated. While there were some legitimate issues in the past Chinese companies have made great strides in recent years to improve food safety.
How Canned Tuna is Regulated in China
China has implemented stricter regulations and inspections for its seafood processing facilities The FDA also inspects Chinese canned tuna bound for the U.S
Any facility that produces canned tuna for the American market must be certified by the FDA. Inspectors look at cleanliness, employee hygiene, food safety protocols, and proper storage/refrigeration.
Once tuna arrives in the U.S., the FDA performs random sampling to test for contaminants. Tuna is checked for pathogens, illegal additives, and high mercury levels. Batches that don’t meet American safety standards are rejected.
Is Chinese Canned Tuna Safe to Eat?
Today, many health experts agree that Chinese canned tuna is safe for consumption. Over the past decade, China has made big changes to improve food safety and meet FDA requirements for imported tuna.
That said, here are a few tips if you still have concerns:
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Look for crenellated cans – Cans with rounded indentations on the sides and top are considered higher quality. The crenellations provide extra strength to avoid bulging or denting which can affect the seal.
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Choose reputable brands – Major brands like Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea have strict oversight at their Chinese factories.
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Don’t buy discounted or dented cans – Deep dents or damage to the seal may indicate food safety issues.
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Rinse the tuna before use – Give the tuna a quick rinse to remove any loose particles or debris.
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Limit consumption if pregnant – Due to mercury concerns, it’s smart for pregnant women to limit canned tuna to once a week.
How to Choose the Healthiest Canned Tuna
When shopping for canned tuna, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Pick skipjack or yellowfin tuna
These smaller tuna species are lower in mercury than albacore (white) tuna. The FDA recommends pregnant women eat no more than 6 oz of albacore per week.
2. Go for tuna packed in water
Tuna canned in water has fewer calories and less sodium than oil-packed. Watch out for tuna packed in soybean or sunflower oil, which is high in omega-6s.
3. Look for sustainably caught brands
Choose tuna that has the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) blue sustainability label on the can. Or check brands on Seafood Watch’s sustainable list.
4. Buy low-sodium options
If you’re watching your salt intake, look for “low sodium” or “no salt added” on the label. Rinsing regular tuna can also help reduce the sodium content.
5. Check the ingredients
Some tuna contains added broths, soy, or vegetable oils. Read the ingredients to avoid unnecessary add-ins.
6. Get Omega-3 rich tuna
Higher-end brands like Wild Planet have high omega-3 content from smaller, sustainably caught tuna. Or you can take a fish oil supplement.
The Bottom Line
While there were legitimate concerns about Chinese canned tuna in the past, today’s tuna must meet strict regulations for import to the U.S. Major brands have improved standards at their Chinese factories.
As long as you choose reputable brands and check sustainability labels, Chinese canned tuna is considered safe by most health experts. Pregnant women may still want to limit intake due to mercury concerns. But for most people, tuna can still be part of a healthy diet with proper sourcing and moderation.