Are you ready for a controversial thought? There are times when canned tuna might be better than fresh.
Before you start brandishing pitchforks at us and telling us to give up our gourmet food enthusiast badge or be kicked out of the community, let us make our case.
We get the skepticism. People who care about the food they eat don’t think much of canned tuna. I’ve heard it called everything from “college bro-food” to “gourmet cat food” in the worst cases.
People who aren’t interested in putting a lot of time and effort into the food they eat keep it in their pantry or fridge because it’s cheap and not very good. Add mayo and put it between two slices of bread. That’s it. A dish that’s a step up from Subway. That’s the best you can do with it.
We’re here to show that canned tuna, especially canned Italian tuna, deserves more praise from foodies than it has gotten so far. Also, because a lot of bad things were said about it because of untrue food myths that were spread on the internet by people who don’t know much about how the product is sourced, packaged, and kept in good condition for shipping.
Rio Mare is one of the most popular canned tuna brands on the market. Their tuna products are a kitchen staple for many families due to their delicious taste, nutrition, and convenience. However, some consumers have questions around whether Rio Mare tuna contains mercury and if it’s safe to eat regularly. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at mercury risks, tuna species, Rio Mare’s safety standards, and expert advice to answer the key question: does Rio Mare tuna have mercury?
Why is Mercury a Concern in Tuna?
Mercury is a heavy metal that is present naturally in the environment but can also enter the aquatic food chain through pollution As large predatory fish like tuna eat smaller fish, the mercury bioaccumulates and concentrates in their tissues over their long lifespans. Consuming high levels of mercury from contaminated fish can cause neurological damage, especially in fetuses and young children
Tuna contains mercury due to
- Bioaccumulation up the food chain
- Pollution from coal-burning and other industrial processes
- Overfishing of larger tuna, so younger fish with less mercury accumulation are canned
- Long tuna lifespan of 10-15 years, allowing more mercury buildup
The mercury content varies significantly depending on the tuna species. Albacore (white) tuna has 3 times the mercury level compared to skipjack and yellowfin (light) tuna. Larger, older tuna also contain higher mercury levels.
Evaluating Rio Mare Tuna’s Safety Standards
Rio Mare only uses two tuna species – yellowfin and skipjack – which are naturally lower in mercury. They also catch younger tuna for canning, further reducing potential mercury.
Additionally, Rio Mare closely monitors mercury levels through over 50,000 analyses on ingredients and finished products. They guarantee:
- Mercury levels are 10 times lower than legal safety limits
- Complete traceability from catch to can
- Only wild-caught tuna from regulated, sustainable fisheries
Rio Mare adheres to all FDA and EPA canned tuna mercury standards. Their rigorous controls ensure their tuna stays well below the concentrations where health risks could occur.
Health Authority Guidelines on Tuna Consumption
Expert health organizations like the FDA, EPA, and WHO provide clear advice around safe tuna consumption limits:
- Eat up to 12 oz of low mercury canned tuna per week
- Limit albacore tuna to 6 oz weekly for adults, less for children
- Pregnant women can eat light tuna 2-3 times per week
- Children can eat light tuna 1-2 times weekly in age-appropriate portions
The recommendations emphasize choosing low mercury light tuna varieties and moderating weekly intake.
The Verdict: Mercury Risks in Rio Mare Tuna
Given the evidence, mercury levels in Rio Mare tuna are very low. By only using skipjack and yellowfin tuna with natural mercury resistance, closely controlling the supply chain, and meeting strict food safety standards, Rio Mare produces high-quality, low risk products.
Independent testing confirms mercury concentrations in leading tuna brands are comparable when using these safer tuna species. While no tuna is 100% mercury-free, Rio Mare goes to great lengths to minimize levels through sustainable sourcing and processing.
Enjoying Rio Mare Tuna Safely
Rio Mare tuna can be safely enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. To minimize any mercury risks, follow the expert advice:
- Stick to light tuna varieties like skipjack and yellowfin
- Moderate intake to 2-3 times weekly for adults
- Limit children to 1-2 weekly servings in smaller portions
- Avoid eating tuna every day
With those precautions, you can feel confident eating and serving delicious Rio Mare tuna meals to your family. Try tuna salads, sandwiches, melts, pasta bakes, poke bowls, and more!
By choosing conscientious brands like Rio Mare and paying attention to the consumption guidelines, you can gain the nutritional benefits of canned tuna without worrying about mercury risks. So open a can of Rio Mare’s gourmet tuna and enjoy a quick, healthy, and delicious flavor-packed meal.
What’s the big deal about Italian tuna?
Italian tuna has become a well-known brand over the years, but most people probably don’t know how important an exporter Italy is. Keep this in mind: if you find good tuna in olive oil, it was probably made in Italy, probably in the south.
Fish and seafood, especially tuna, have been important parts of Southern Italian, especially Sicilian, food for a long time. Tuna used to be a seasonal product, mainly caught in spring and summer. People in the area started putting tuna in olive oil to make it last longer so they could store it for the winter and bring it to the north to sell.
Companies known to manufacture high-quality canned tuna do so because they respect long-standing traditions. The fish for Callipo or Rio Mare tuna products is sourced and processed with traditional taste in mind. The goal is to keep the taste of Italian tuna that has been stored at home while letting people skip all the work that goes into storing it.
In other words, Italian manufacturers that want to be the best know they cannot cut any corners.
The most popular seafood in the USA:
Did you know that canned tuna in olive oil has been on the list of best-selling seafood products for over 25 years now? In 1997, journalist Suzanne Hamlin pointed out that it was the #1 best-selling seafood in the country, and it hasn’t left that list ever since then. As Americans ate more seafood over the years, some products, like frozen shrimp and salmon, started “expanding their userbase.” However, canned tuna in olive oil stayed a top seller, even though it moved up and down in the sales rankings.
The fact that people keep buying the same product year after year is, at the very least, a sign that there must be a few good reasons for it. The biggest of them? Accessibility and dependability.
We’ve repeatedly heard that fresh fish is better than canned. We also love gourmet food, and we’d like to make the case that some canned foods are better than fresh ones when it comes to source, quality, and taste.
But that’s beside this point. A lot of people don’t get to choose between fresh and canned fish very often, if ever. That being said, if you can’t find a fishmonger you can trust to get you the good stuff, good canned fish is often your best bet.
Is Canned Tuna Safe To Eat? Experts Weigh In On The Benefits Of Eating The Canned Fish | TIME
FAQ
Is Rio Mare tuna healthy?
Which tuna has the least mercury?
Can I eat Rio Mare tuna everyday?
Is Rio Mare real tuna?
Is Rio Mare tuna high in Mercury?
It’s also worth noting that Rio Mare uses Yellowfin and Skipjack tuna species, which are naturally lower in mercury levels compared to other varieties. Additionally, the fish caught for canning tend to be younger than those caught to be sold fresh, further reducing the mercury levels in their flesh. What Is Mercury And Why Is It A Concern In Tuna?
Albacore tuna vs Tuna: Which is healthier?
Albacore Tuna and Tuna, both serve the same kind of nutritional advantages. They are a rich source of protein, selenium, vitamin B12. As compared to other Tuna, Albacore Tuna is a better source of omega-3 fatty acids. This makes Albacore tuna a healthier choice for heart. Whereas, Albacore Tuna is also a good source of mercury as compared to Tuna, so pregnant women and children should have it in limited amounts.
What is Rio Mare tuna?
Rio Mare tuna is a premium canned tuna brand that originated in Italy. It is known for its distinctive pink color and unique flavor, which is the result of a careful selection process that ensures only the highest quality Yellowfin and Skipjack tuna are used.
Is Rio Mare tuna bad for You?
Another benefit of Rio Mare tuna is that it’s low in calories and fat. This makes it a great option for anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight or reduce their overall calorie intake. But what about concerns over mercury levels in canned fish?