Shoppers 'throwing away tins' of tuna after 'scary' public warning

Terrified shoppers say they've chucked out unopened tins of tuna after a 'scary' public health warning that some cans contain a toxic metal. 

Concerns were raised earlier this week after tests on 150 cans purchased in five countries found half contained in excess amounts of the toxin mercury.

The French study also found that all tins — including some UK bought — contained the metal, which, in large quantities, can harm brain health and may cause cancer.

Now, shoppers have taken to social media to express their concerns over the potential health risks — with some saying they've binned brand-new cans as a result. 

'I eat an average of 2-3 cans of tuna a week and I'm going to stop,' wrote one internet user on Facebook. 

'I will throw away my tins then,' replied another. 'I would. It states they are being removed (from supermarkets),' said a third. 

Others looked to the health service for guidance, commenting: 'The NHS website even advises to minimise tinned tuna intake.'

One social media commented simple wrote: 'It is quite scary to read this.' 

Methylmercury - the toxic metal found in canned tuna bought from shops in France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Britain - has been previously linked to cancer. 

Studies have found that in very high doses, some forms of mercury can trigger the development of several types of tumours in rats and mice.  

But the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found that there was not enough evidence to determine whether mercury could cause cancer in humans.

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The metal can also damage the kidneys and nervous system, trigger issues with vision and raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

And according to the World Health Organisation, mercury can also cause neurological and behavioural disorders if it is inhaled, eaten or if the skin comes into contact with it.

Symptoms include tremors, insomnia, memory loss, headaches and cognitive and motor dysfunction.

Current NHS guidance states that pregnant women shouldn't eat more than two tuna steaks or four tins of tuna a week due to the potential harm it can cause to their unborn baby's brain.

Other fish also contain mercury - with some types, like swordfish, packed with particularly large amounts. 

Despite this, doctors say for most, tinned fish is fine in moderation. 

The NHS advises people to eat at least two portions of fish a week in order to reap its nutritional benefits like protecting against heart disease and bone-boosting vitamin D.

Studies have shown it is unlikely that the average person will consume enough mercury via fish to cause them serious harm.