Is Canned Tuna from China Safe to Eat?

Canned tuna is a kitchen staple for many people. It’s affordable, shelf-stable, and a good source of protein. However, over the years there have been some concerns raised about the safety of canned tuna imported from China. So should you be wary of eating canned tuna from China? Let’s take a closer look.

History of Controversy

Several years back, reports surfaced that some Chinese tuna canneries were operating under unsanitary conditions. There were accounts of factory workers handling tuna with their bare hands right next to overflowing garbage cans and other unhygienic practices.

On top of that, China has a history of safety issues with other imported foods like dog treats, tilapia, and apples. So when it came to canned tuna, many American consumers became understandably cautious.

However, industry experts say those concerns are outdated. While there certainly were legitimate issues in China in the past, manufacturers and regulators have made great improvements in recent years.

Improved Oversight in China

The Chinese government has implemented much stricter regulations and inspections for its seafood processing facilities. The U.S. FDA also directly oversees Chinese canneries that export to America.

Any tuna facility that wants to sell to the U.S. market must become FDA-certified. Inspectors check for cleanliness, proper food safety protocols employee hygiene refrigeration, and storage. Samples are also tested for illegal additives and contamination.

The FDA also performs random sampling of canned tuna after it arrives in the United States. They test for pathogens mercury levels and other contaminants. Any shipment that doesn’t meet U.S. safety standards gets rejected.

Is Chinese Canned Tuna Safe Today?

Given the regulatory changes in China and oversight by the FDA, many health experts and consumer advocacy groups now consider Chinese canned tuna to be safe for consumption. The canning processes, inspections, and testing make the risk of contamination very low.

However, if you still have concerns, here are some tips:

• Stick to major brands like Chicken of the Sea, Bumble Bee, or Kirkland. They tightly control their Chinese factories.

• Choose cans without dents or damage Dents may indicate food safety issues

• Rinse canned tuna before use to remove any loose particles.

• Pregnant women should limit canned tuna to once per week due to mercury concerns.

• Check the ingredient list and avoid tuna packed in soybean oil, which is high in inflammatory omega-6s.

The Benefits of Canned Tuna

Canned tuna certainly gets a bad rap at times. But it does have some excellent nutritional qualities:

• High in protein. A 3 ounce serving contains about 20 grams of protein.

• Low in calories and fat (especially when packed in water).

• Provides omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

• Good source of selenium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and other nutrients.

When choosing canned tuna, opt for skipjack or yellowfin rather than albacore (white) tuna to limit mercury exposure.

Reasons to Be Cautious of Chinese Seafood

While canned tuna gets high marks, there are some other types of Chinese seafood that may require more caution:

• Tilapia – Chinese tilapia has been shown to have higher contaminant levels and contain banned chemicals in some cases.

• Cod – Much of the cod imported from China is mislabeled and actually lower quality fish like pollock.

• Salmon – Farm-raised salmon from China has higher pollution and antibiotic use compared to other regions. Wild-caught Pacific salmon is a safer bet.

• Shrimp – Imports from China are laden with antibiotics and residues according to research. Choose domestic shrimp or verify country of origin.

• Shellfish – Oysters, clams, and mussels from China may contain norovirus and other pathogens, per FDA rejections.

So when it comes to those higher risk seafoods, it pays to be selective and opt for domestic or sustainably sourced options.

The Bottom Line

While Chinese canned tuna faced quality control issues in the past, modern processing standards and FDA oversight provide assurance that these products reaching the U.S. are safe to eat. Major brands like Bumble Bee and Kirkland have tightened standards at their Chinese factories as well.

For most consumers, enjoying a tuna sandwich, tuna salad, or tuna casserole shouldn’t pose any health risks as long as you choose reputable brands. However, pregnant women and small children may still want to limit intake. And when it comes to other Chinese imported seafood, it’s smart to do a bit more research and selective sourcing.