Are you a fan of canned tuna? Do you often reach for the Starkist brand on the grocery store shelves?
If so, you may want to think twice before adding it to your cart. Starkist has a history of environmental violations and questionable production practices, leading many to question the safety and sustainability of their products.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Starkist tuna from Senegal and explore whether or not it’s safe to eat.
Let’s dive in.
Is Starkist Tuna From Senegal Safe To Eat?
Starkist tuna from Senegal has been the subject of controversy in recent years. The company has been fined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to comply with environmental laws and reduce water pollution and the risk of hazardous substance releases from its tuna processing facility in American Samoa.
Furthermore, Starkist has been accused of contributing to pollution, animal abuse, and endangering dolphins and other fish during fishing and overfishing practices. The company has also been criticized for not being transparent about the origins of its tuna.
So, is Starkist tuna from Senegal safe to eat?
The answer is not clear-cut. While the FDA and EPA recommend canned light tuna as the better, lower-mercury choice, canned white and yellowfin tuna are higher in mercury but still okay to eat. Bigeye tuna should be avoided completely, but that species isn’t used for canned tuna anyway.
However, given Starkist’s history of environmental violations and questionable production practices, it’s difficult to trust the safety and sustainability of their products. Consumers may want to consider alternative brands that prioritize sustainability and transparency in their production processes.
Starkist’s Environmental Violations And Production Practices
Starkist has repeatedly violated environmental laws and failed to comply with regulations meant to reduce water pollution and the risk of hazardous substance releases from its tuna processing facility in American Samoa. The company has been fined by the EPA for these violations, including a fine of USD 84,500 for failing to institute required upgrades.
In addition to environmental violations, Starkist has also faced criticism for its production practices. The FDA found “serious violations” involving Starkist’s seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plan and its production of low-acid canned foods during a cannery inspection. Both canned tuna and pouched packed tuna being produced by Starkist on American Samoa were deemed “adulterated” by the FDA.
Furthermore, Starkist has been accused of not being transparent about the origins of its tuna, contributing to pollution and endangering dolphins and other fish during fishing and overfishing practices, and failing to take sustainability seriously. As one Greenpeace representative stated, “StarKist’s failure to take sustainability seriously is devastating the oceans — all while it continues to sell cheap and dirty tuna nationwide.”
Given these environmental violations and questionable production practices, it’s difficult to trust the safety and sustainability of Starkist’s products. Consumers may want to consider alternative brands that prioritize sustainability and transparency in their production processes.
The Importance Of Sustainable Fishing And Production Methods
Sustainable fishing and production methods are crucial for maintaining healthy and thriving ocean ecosystems. The use of unsustainable fishing practices, such as overfishing and bycatch, can lead to the depletion of fish populations and harm to other marine species.
Starkist Co. has recognized the importance of sustainable fishing and production methods by committing to sourcing 100% of its tuna and salmon from sustainable sources. This means that all tuna and salmon procured by the company are purchased from third-party suppliers that meet the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard for sustainable fishing or are working towards certification.
By supporting sustainable fishing practices, Starkist is helping to ensure that fish populations remain healthy and abundant for future generations. Additionally, the company’s commitment to sustainability can have a positive impact on the environment by reducing the amount of bycatch and minimizing damage to marine habitats.
Consumers can also play a role in promoting sustainable fishing practices by choosing products from companies that prioritize sustainability and transparency in their production processes. By making informed choices about the products they purchase, consumers can help support sustainable fishing practices and protect our oceans.
Overview Of Starkist Tuna From Senegal
Starkist tuna from Senegal is produced in a fishery that targets albacore, bigeye, and yellowfin tunas in the Atlantic Ocean. The fishery is managed regionally by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). The pelagic longline vessels are flagged to Taiwan, St Vincent, Senegal, Panama, and Belize, and fish on the high seas (and occasionally in the national EEZs) in the Atlantic.
Starkist’s parent company, Dongwon Industries of South Korea, acquired the Pittsburgh-based tuna company in 2008. Dongwon has been expanding its tuna business globally and recently purchased a tuna cannery in Senegal as a step into African and European markets. However, Starkist has been criticized for not being transparent about the origins of its tuna and failing to comply with environmental laws and reduce water pollution.
Consumers who are concerned about the safety and sustainability of their tuna may want to consider alternative brands that prioritize transparency and sustainable production practices.
Concerns About The Safety Of Starkist Tuna From Senegal
Starkist tuna from Senegal raises concerns about the safety of its consumption due to the company’s history of environmental violations. The EPA has fined Starkist and its subsidiary, Starkist Samoa Co., for failing to comply with environmental laws and reduce water pollution and the risk of hazardous substance releases from its tuna processing facility in American Samoa. This raises questions about the safety of the tuna produced by the company.
Moreover, Starkist has been accused of contributing to pollution, animal abuse, and endangering dolphins and other fish during fishing and overfishing practices. These practices can lead to contamination of the tuna with harmful substances, which can pose risks to human health upon consumption.
Additionally, Starkist has been criticized for not being transparent about the origins of its tuna. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to know whether their products come from sustainable and safe sources.
Alternatives To Starkist Tuna And Tips For Choosing Safe And Sustainable Seafood
If you’re looking for alternatives to Starkist tuna, there are plenty of sustainable options available. Wild-caught Alaskan salmon, Pacific halibut, and farmed oysters are all good choices. Additionally, skipjack tuna is a sustainable option that tends to have lower levels of mercury than other varieties. When purchasing skipjack tuna, look for products that have been caught using pole and line or troll methods, which are more precise and produce less bycatch than purse seine methods.
When shopping for seafood, it’s important to read the labels carefully. Look for information on the species of fish, the fishing method used, and the location where it was caught. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label indicates that the fish has been caught using eco-friendly methods and has been certified as sustainable by an independent organization. The Fishwise label provides information on the type of fish, how it was caught, where it came from, and its sustainability rating. The Seafood Safe label provides at-a-glance consumption recommendations based on independent testing for contaminants.
In addition to choosing sustainable seafood options, it’s important to be mindful of the potential health risks associated with consuming certain types of fish. Mercury levels can vary widely depending on the species of fish and where it was caught. The Environmental Defense Fund recommends limiting consumption of canned albacore tuna to three servings per month due to its higher mercury content. It’s also a good idea to look for brands that are packed in water or extra-virgin olive oil instead of highly processed vegetable oil.
