Why does fresh Yellowfin steak often carry less mercury than its larger, canned Albacore counterpart?
Answer
Commercial canning frequently utilizes larger, older fish that have accumulated more mercury
A critical factor influencing mercury load is the size and age of the specific fish harvested for processing. Commercial canning operations often source larger, older fish, which naturally harbor higher mercury burdens due to extended accumulation time in the environment. Fresh Yellowfin sold as steaks usually represents younger or specifically selected fish that may not have reached the same level of mercury concentration found in the larger specimens typically reserved for mass canning processes like those involving Albacore.
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