4 Things to Know About Mercury in Canned Tuna

Skipjack tuna has about one-third the mercury of albacore. Skipjack averages 0.12 ppm, while albacore averages 0.32 ppm. Skipjack is smaller and accumulates less mercury over its life.

“Light tuna” is almost always skipjack. If you buy canned light tuna, you are getting skipjack. “White tuna” is albacore, a larger, older fish with higher mercury levels.

The FDA advises pregnant women and young kids to limit albacore. They recommend no more than one serving of albacore per week. Light tuna is fine at two to three servings per week.

Daily tuna eaters should choose skipjack. If you eat tuna every day, skipjack is the safer choice. If you eat it once a month, either type is fine.