Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 2

Written Answers - Food Safety.

John Gormley

Question:

203 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the safety authority in England has issued a warning regarding the consumption of tuna due to the mercury content and its potential effect on pregnant women; his views on whether a similar warning should be introduced here; if he has been in contact with the Food Safety Authority on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5761/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O'Malley): I am aware of the advice in question which is that pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid eating shark, swordfish and marlin and, additionally, should limit their consumption of tuna to no more than two medium-size cans or one fresh tuna steak per week. This advice was issued by the Food Standards Agency, UK, on 17 February last. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI, has assured me that it is not necessary to issue similar advice for the Irish consumer. This advice is based on the results of a mercury monitoring programme now carried out by the Marine Institute under a service contract with the FSAI. This monitoring programme shows that mercury levels in fish landed in Ireland are low, within the range 0.02 to 0.27 mg/kg wet weight. Monitored levels are well within the limits set by the European Commission's decision of 19 May 1993 of between 0.5 an 1.0 mg/kg – depending on species. The FSAI also advises that the levels of mercury in canned tuna tend to be low as only the smaller species are canned. My officials have asked the FSAI to keep this matter under review.