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Mercury Levels in Different Types of Fish
Mercury Levels in Different Types of Fish

Know which fish have the lowest and highest mercury levels and the portions which are considered safe to eat.

Low Mercury
Moderate Mercury
High Mercury
Highest Mercury

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Mercury Levels in Different Types of Fish

Mercury Levels in Different Types of Fish

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Consuming too much mercury is dangerous. Many of the waters of the world have become contaminated by mercury. The fish that live in those waters have mercury in the cells of their tissue. When we eat those fish, the mercury is absorbed into our bodies. This is

Learn more from the United States Environmental Protection Agency

So, which fish to choose and how much to eat? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tested the following species of fish for mercury levels and the Enviromental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined the levels of mercury which are safe to consume. Recommendations are based on a 6-ounce serving.

Low Mercury Fish | Less than 0.09 parts per million | Not necessary to limit servings

Anchovies
Butterfish
Catfish
Clam
Crab (Domestic)
Crawfish
/Crayfish
Croaker (Atlantic)
Flounder
Haddock (Atlantic)
Hake
Herring
Mackerel (N. Atlantic)
Mullet
Oyster
Perch (Ocean)
Plaice
Pollock
Salmon (Canned)
Salmon (Fresh)
Sardine
Scallop
Shad (American)
Shrimp
Sole (Pacific)
Squid (Calamari)
Tilapia
Trout (Freshwater)
Whitefish
Whiting

Moderate Mercury Fish | From 0.09 to 0.29 parts per million | Limit to no more than six servings per month

Bass (Striped, Black)
Carp
Cod (Alaskan)
Croaker (White Pacific)
Halibut (Atlantic)
Halibut (Pacific)
Jacksmelt (Silverside)
Lobster
Mahi Mahi
Monkfish
Perch (Freshwater)
Sablefish
Skate
Snapper
Tuna (Canned chunk light)
Tuna (Skipjack)
Weakfish (Sea Trout)

High Mercury Fish || From 0.3 to .49 parts per million || Limit to 3 servings or less per month

Bluefish
Grouper
Mackerel (Spanish, Gulf)
Sea Bass (Chilean)
Tuna (Canned Albacore)
Tuna (Yellowfin)

Highest Mercury Fish | More than .5 parts per million | Avoid eating

Mackerel (King)
Marlin
Orange Roughy
Shark
Swordfish
Tilefish
Tuna (Bigeye, Ahi)

Enjoy fish often. Choose varieties that have low-mercury concentrations, especially children and pregnant or nursing women. Try a new fish recipe!

Cinnamon Candied Almonds

Learn more about natural salicylates

Get the recipe for Cinnamon Candied Almonds.

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