Pregnant women warned of tuna risk

TUNA lovers have been warned to can their enthusiasm for fresh portions of the popular fish if they are expectant mums, breast-feeding or planning a pregnancy.

The advice to stick to just one fresh tuna steak or two eight-ounce portions of canned tuna per week comes as food safety experts warn mercury levels from some species could build up high enough to damage unborn babies and young children.

The warning from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) applies more stringently to shark, swordfish and marlin, which the authority is advising children and all women of child-bearing age to avoid completely.