Warning over tinned tuna sold in UK that poses ‘colossal risk to public health’
A WARNING has been issued over tins of tuna sold in the UK containing a substance which poses a "colossal risk to public health".
Mercury, which has even been linked to some cancers, was discovered in 148 of 150 tins randomly tested across Europe.
Over half the products exceeded the 1mg/kg limit in UK and EU law.
The toxic metal can affect pregnant women, impair brain development and cause lung damage.
As well as the UK, products from France, Italy, Spain and Germany were also tested - with one tin in Paris found to contain a record level of 3.9 mg/kg.
Bloom, the environmental NGO that conducted the research along with Foodwatch France, have now made an urgent appeal to governments based on the findings.
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They urged nations to "activate a safeguard clause" to prevent the further sale of products exceeding 0.3mg/kg.
They also called for all tuna products to be removed from school canteens, nurseries, maternity wards, hospitals and care homes.
Karine Jacquemart, head of Foodwatch France, added: "What we end up with on our dinner plates is a colossal risk to public health that’s not considered seriously.
"We won’t give up until we have a more protective European standard."