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July 25, 2008 12:05:21 PM CDT

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'Sushi Capital' Japan Isn't Sweating Tuna Scare

Posted Jan 27, 08 5:35 AM CST in Science & Health,  World 

(Newser) – New Yorkers may be in the throes of a sushi scare after the Times reported on the dangerous mercury levels in tuna, but the Japanese aren't batting an eyelid. One official's biggest concern was that the controversy would ignite "groundless rumors" about a healthy food, AP reports. "We're not talking about eating 10 tuna sushi every day—in which case I might be a little worried," said one sushi lover.

Japan doesn't allow mercury concentrations above 0.4 parts per million in most seafood, following an industrial mercury poisoning incident in the 1950s that led to serious birth defects. But the limit doesn't apply to tuna because it's fished far offshore. Scientists are concerned, but the Japanese continue to consume 450,000 tons of sushi a year. 

Source Associated Press

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A toddler is carried by a shopper looking at a head of tuna in front of a fishmonger in Tokyo's Tsukiji fish market Friday, Jan. 25, 2008. Recent reports in the United States about high levels of mercury...   (Associated Press)
A plate of tuna sushi is seen among others at a sushi stand in Tokyo Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008. Recent reports in the United States about high levels of mercury in tuna served at ubiquitous sushi restaurants...   (Associated Press)
Women shop at a fishmonger in Tokyo's Tsukiji fish market Friday, Jan. 25, 2008. Recent reports in the United States about high levels of mercury in tuna served at ubiquitous sushi restaurants in New...   (Associated Press)
A man eat a tuna sushi at a sushi stand in Tokyo Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008. Recent reports in the United States about high levels of mercury in tuna served at ubiquitous sushi restaurants in New York have...   (Associated Press)
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health  • Japan  • fish  • tuna  • sushi  • mercury


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