Mercury is a naturally-occurring element found in soil and rocks that is also released into the environment through human activities such as pulp and paper processing, mining operations, and burning garbage & fossil fuels. Health Canada has established a safe guideline level of 0.5 parts per million (ppm) for mercury in most commercial fish, which is enforced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
No, you do not have to be concerned about mercury in our products. Clover Leaf canned seafood products fall far within the Health Canada guideline for mercury. In fact, Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating recommends that Canadians eat at least two servings (75 g each) of fish each week, with herring (sardines) and salmon particularly recommended. The only concern to note is for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women consuming large quantities of albacore (white) tuna – the Health Canada recommended limitations are listed below.
Canned Albacore (White) Tuna Advice
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women – 300 grams a week (4 Food Guide servings)
Children 5-11 years old – 150 grams a week (2 Food Guide servings)
Children 1-4 years old – 75 grams a week (1 Food Guide serving)
(1 serving = 75 g = 1/2 can of albacore tuna)
*Please note that this advice applies only to the specified groups and only to albacore (white) tuna.
The remainder of our products may be freely consumed without concern for mercury.
