Is Wild Caught Tuna from Thailand Safe to Eat?

Tuna is one of the most popular fish in the world. Its meaty texture mild flavor and nutritional value make it a staple for many. However, with tuna’s popularity comes increased fishing pressure and concerns over sustainability and safety. This is especially true for tuna coming from Southeast Asia, namely Thailand. So, is wild caught tuna from Thailand safe to eat?

Overview of Thailand’s Tuna Industry

Thailand is one of the top exporters of canned tuna globally. Its tuna processing industry brings in billions of dollars annually. Unfortunately, this massive industry has been plagued by illegal and unethical practices.

Here are some key facts about Thailand’s tuna industry

Main tuna species caught are skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye, and albacore.
Uses purse seining, longline fishing, and pole and line fishing methods. Pole and line is the most sustainable.
Has over 20 tuna canneries, but only 1 meets sustainability standards.
Has a history of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Accused of human rights abuses and labor violations on fishing vessels.
Lacks transparency in supply chain and traceability.

Clearly, Thailand has many issues when it comes to responsible tuna sourcing. But what does this mean for food safety?

Is Wild Tuna from Thailand Safe to Eat?

When it comes to food safety, Thailand’s poor fishing practices are definitely cause for concern. However, wild tuna from Thailand is not inherently unsafe to eat. Here are the key considerations:

Sustainability and Mercury Levels

Tuna species commonly caught in Thailand can contain moderate to high mercury levels. Larger, longer-lived tuna accumulate more mercury. Consuming too much can be dangerous, especially for pregnant women and young children.

However, Thailand’s lack of sustainability increases the risk of catching threatened tuna species higher in mercury. Unsustainable fishing leads to fewer younger tuna, forcing the targeting of older, larger tuna.

Food Handling and Processing

Poor sanitation on fishing boats, lack of cold storage, and unhygienic processing facilities can lead to contamination and foodborne illnesses.

Thailand’s high number of IUU vessels also increases the risk of inadequate food safety practices. However, many legitimate processors do meet international food safety standards.

Mislabeling and Misrepresentation

DNA testing reveals Thailand has high levels of seafood mislabeling. Less desirable species are often sold as premium tuna. This makes it hard to know what you’re really eating.

Additionally, Thailand has been accused of “Japanese-washing” – falsely marketing their tuna as coming from Japan. This misrepresentation hides the true origin.

Presence of Additives and Contaminants

Some Thai tuna processors have been found adding illegal substances like carbon monoxide and sodium metabisulfite to enhance color and texture.

Tuna can also absorb heavy metals like lead from water and contain high histamine levels if improperly handled. These contaminants can cause foodborne illness.

Tips for Safer Thai Tuna Consumption

Despite the many issues with Thailand’s tuna industry, avoiding it altogether may be unrealistic for most consumers. Here are some tips to safely eat Thai tuna:

Choose pole and line or troll caught tuna when possible. This has less bycatch and environmental damage.
Look for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification or else check the brand’s sustainability practices.
Opt for skipjack or yellowfin, which are lower in mercury. Avoid bigeye and albacore.
Check for brands that regularly test for contaminants and prohibitive additives.
Pick reputable retailers and brands to reduce risk of mislabeling and misrepresentation.
Consume tuna in moderation as part of a varied diet, especially if pregnant or feeding children.
Follow FDA guidelines on safe tuna consumption for vulnerable groups like pregnant women.

The Bottom Line

Thailand’s tuna industry is fraught with problems when it comes to responsible sourcing. However, completely avoiding Thai tuna may be impractical and unnecessary for most consumers. By choosing selectively and consuming in moderation, wild caught tuna from Thailand can be reasonably safe to eat. As with any seafood, following proper handling and preparation is key. Consumers should apply pressure on Thailand to improve fishing and processing practices through their purchasing choices.

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FAQ

Is tuna from Thailand okay?

Sea to shelf products are rated by several factors including sustainability, traceability, and equity. Of the fourteen brands from Thailand that supply canned tuna, five failed these rankings and the remaining nine only ranked as fair.

Is fish from Thailand safe?

It is important to note that while seafood from Thailand and Singapore is generally considered safe to eat, there is still a risk of contamination.

How safe is wild caught tuna?

Remember that it’s important to buy wild tuna rather than farmed options. While both are safe to eat, the nutritional value of a wild-caught fish is superior to that of a farm-raised variety. Wild tuna eat a wider range of foods, which can create a higher nutritional density by the time it gets to our plates.

How is tuna caught in Thailand?

Tunas are caught by purse seines and drift gillnets year-round. The development of a fish canning industry in Thailand during the late 1970s increased the demand for mackerel, scad, sardine, and especially tuna.

Is Thai tuna safe to eat?

One of the main safety concerns surrounding Thai tuna is the potential for contamination due to illegal fishing practices. Tuna caught illegally may be contaminated with harmful substances that can pose health risks to consumers. Another concern is the issue of human trafficking and labor abuses in the Thai fishing industry.

Is Thailand’s tuna industry safe?

While Thailand has a long history of fishing and seafood production, there have been concerns about the safety and sustainability of its tuna industry. One major issue is the use of illegal fishing practices, which can result in contaminated fish that may pose health risks to consumers.

Are canned tuna products safe to eat?

NFI said that the mercury levels we found were well below the limit that the FDA allows in canned tuna and said these products are safe to consume. StarKist and Chicken of the Sea said their tuna products are monitored for mercury and meet this FDA limit.

Can you eat tuna every day?

Though tuna is very nutritious, it’s also high in mercury compared to most other fish. Therefore, it should be eaten in moderation — not every day. You can eat skipjack and light canned tuna alongside other low-mercury fish a few times each week, but should limit or avoid albacore, yellowfin and bigeye tuna.