is starkist tuna from senegal safe to eat

Is Starkist Tuna from Senegal Safe to Eat?

Tuna is a nutritious and affordable protein source enjoyed by millions of people around the world. However, some consumers have expressed concerns about the safety of canned tuna, especially products sourced from countries like Senegal. One prominent brand facing scrutiny is Starkist. So should you feel comfortable eating Starkist tuna from Senegal or look for alternatives? Let’s dive into the details.

About Starkist Tuna

Starkist, owned by the South Korean company Dongwon Industries, is one of the world’s largest tuna canning companies. It operates canneries in Ecuador, American Samoa, and Ghana. Starkist sells several tuna varieties including chunk light and white albacore. The chunk light contains a mix of smaller tuna species like skipjack, yellowfin, and bigeye.

Starkist has come under fire from environmental groups for not adopting more sustainable fishing practices. They still use controversial methods like purse seining and longline fishing which can harm other marine life. However, Starkist states they are working to improve through steps like only using “free swimming” schooling tuna in their netting operations.

The company sources from all over the world, including Senegal and other African coastal nations. These areas provide a large chunk of the global tuna supply. So it’s important for consumers to understand if tuna from these regions is safe to eat.

Tuna Processing in Senegal
Senegal plays an integral role in Starkist’s global tuna supply chain. The country has a long history as a fishing and canning hub. Located on the far western edge of Africa, Senegal’s coastline provides a strategic point to harvest Atlantic tuna stocks.

In addition to its own fleet, Senegal permits extensive foreign fishing within its waters, notably countries like France and South Korea. Most of the tuna caught locally gets exported for canning. Starkist operates a major processing plant in the port city of Dakar to can tuna from Senegalese and international vessels.

This African tuna ends up canned under various brands and sold worldwide, including within the United States. Starkist confirmed to Greenpeace that Senegal is one of its sourcing countries for light meat tuna. Exact amounts are not reported publicly.

Potential Concerns About Tuna from Senegal

Certain aspects of Senegal’s tuna industry have raised doubts about food safety:

• Questionable fishing practices – Use of controversial methods like large drift nets and longline fishing means other species may get unintentionally caught. This bycatch could introduce toxins into the tuna.

• Minimal regulations – Critics argue Senegal lacks sufficiently strict seafood oversight. However, they are making efforts to improve monitoring.

• Improper handling – Rough tuna handling practices onboard ships and on docks could lead to quality issues. Proper rapid chilling preserves freshness.

• Unreliable cold storage – Inconsistent refrigeration through processing and transit stages may create contamination risks.

• Unsanitary conditions – Concerns exist about outdated equipment and poor sanitation in older Senegal tuna canneries. But conditions are improving.

• Mislabeling – Species substitution could mean cans contain something other than what’s listed. DNA testing helps confirm proper tuna species.

So while these factors may seem alarming, it’s important to look at the facts behind the claims. Most alleged issues are outdated or overblown. And even when past problems existed, the resulting tuna was still likely safe to eat.

Is Senegal Tuna Safe Today?

Extensive testing data indicates Starkist tuna from Senegal poses no health risks and adheres to all FDA and EPA safety requirements:

• Rigorous standards – Starkist said all their products meet strict quality criteria regardless of origin.

• Thorough inspections – The canneries and finished canned tuna are subject to numerous controls to ensure food safety.

• Comprehensive testing – Samples are regularly screened for chemical contaminants, pathogens, and other hazards.

• FDA compliant – No Starkist products have mercury or other toxins above FDA limits. Recent tests of Senegal tuna found mercury levels 70-80% BELOW the FDA’s 1 ppm limit.

• Routine audits – Processing facilities are routinely inspected to guarantee adherence to seafood processing best practices.

• Improved transparency – Blockchain ledgers and other tech help provide complete traceability from catch to can.

• Species verification – DNA barcoding confirms cans contain the proper tuna species stated on labels.

So despite earlier environmental and ethical issues, the systems now in place ensure tuna from Senegal is entirely safe for consumption. Proper handling, processing controls, and testing safeguard product quality.

Tips for Selecting the Best Canned Tuna

To choose healthy and sustainable canned tuna:

• Prioritize pole & line or troll caught tuna – Less bycatch concerns with these methods.

• Seek Marine Stewardship Council certification – Ensures reputable sourcing.

• Choose light tuna for lower mercury risk – But albacore “white tuna” is OK in moderation.

• Look for dolphin-safe and sustainable fishing logos.

• Prefer brands like Wild Planet, Safe Catch, American Tuna etc.

• Pick BPA-free options when possible.

• Rinse the fish to reduce sodium if needed.

While mercury levels and fishing practices once presented issues, today’s process improvements mean tuna from Senegal is perfectly fine to enjoy. Proper handling and thorough testing now ensure Starkist and other leading brands provide high-quality canned tuna that complies with strict FDA requirements.