Is Canned light tuna safe during pregnancy?
Best Choice (lower mercury) — enjoy canned light tuna cooked, 2–3 servings a week in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
What the sources say
FDA/EPA list canned light tuna as a "Best Choice" (lower mercury) for people who are or may become pregnant or are breastfeeding: 2–3 servings a week from this list (8–12 oz total; 1 serving = 4 oz before cooking). Cook to 145°F or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork; raw or undercooked fish (sushi, sashimi, ceviche) and refrigerated smoked fish are not recommended in pregnancy. Albacore (white) tuna has about 3x the mercury of light tuna (FDA). Premade deli tuna salad is a Listeria risk. CDC gives breastfeeding parents the same fish advice.
Also listed as
light tuna, chunk light tuna, skipjack tuna, skipjack, canned tuna, tuna fish, tuna sandwich
Sources
- FDA: Advice about Eating Fish
- CDC: Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women
- CDC: Maternal Diet and Breastfeeding
- FDA: Questions & Answers from the FDA/EPA Advice about Eating Fish
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.