Carbs are bad for you. Eating fats will make you fat. Eating late at night makes you gain weight.  

These are just a few of the great food myths of our time. 

Eating too much tuna is bad for you is another massive misconception that has been doing the rumour rounds for years. 

In reality, unless you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying for a baby, there is no definitive evidence to say you can’t or shouldn’t eat tuna every day. The UK FSA recommends eating at least two portions of fish per week, including one portion of oily fish. 

Tinned tuna remains a great choice – rich in lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and providing a good source of essential vitamins and minerals – making it a nutritious addition to any diet.

As with any food, the key is balance. A varied diet ensures you get all the nutrients your body needs while keeping things interesting on your plate.

• Mercury exposure. Tuna, especially larger species like albacore and bigeye, can contain higher levels of mercury, which may accumulate in your body over time.  Consuming too much mercury can lead to serious health issues, including neurological problems.
  
• Risk to pregnant people. The UK Food Standards Agency recommends that if you are pregnant, or trying for a baby, it’s best to limit your intake to no more than the equivalent of four cans per week.
  
• Nutritional imbalance.Eating tuna daily may reduce overall diet variety, potentially limiting the intake of other important nutrients from different food sources.

The beauty of tuna lies in its incredible versatility. Whether you’re tossing it into a fresh salad, mixing it into pasta, or serving it on a sandwich, tuna is as adaptable as it is delicious and nutritious. 

This flexibility means for many families it is a go-to option every day, but even if you’re simply looking to add a bit more protein to your weekly meal plan, there’s a recipe for every occasion. 

What about Tuna Flatbread Pizzas for a fun family dinner? 

Or a Tuna Pasta Bake you can batch cook for the week? 

In desperate need of a post-workout protein lift – these Tuna Caesar Style Lettuce Cups have got your back.

However you go about incorporating tuna into your diet, one thing’s for certain; once you do you’ll find endless possibilities to keep your meals exciting, filling, and loaded with nutrients. 

Establishing facts around food is essential for making informed and healthy choices.

While recent reports have raised concerns about mercury levels, it’s important to separate fact from fear. At John West, we only deal in facts, ensuring complete transparency when it comes to the quality and safety of our products.

Mercury is naturally present in all fish, with larger, older predatory species accumulating higher amounts over time. The UK has strict regulations in place, with a maximum mercury level of 1.0 mg/kg for tuna – higher than for other fish due to its natural accumulation.

We take product safety seriously. Our canned tuna is routinely tested, and mercury levels consistently remain well within EU/UK legal limits. The NHS provides clear guidance for vulnerable groups – such as women who are pregnant or breastfeeding – but for the general population, tinned tuna remains a safe, nutritious, and convenient choice.