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The 12 Most Contaminated Fish to Avoid at the Grocery Store

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  • Contaminants: Mercury
  • Why it’s risky: Tilefish are slow-growing and high on the food chain, increasing mercury accumulation.

Better alternative: Pollock or cod


5. Orange Roughy

  • Contaminants: Mercury and other toxins
  • Why it’s risky: These deep-sea fish live decades, giving toxins time to build up.

Better alternative: Wild-caught Pacific salmon


6. Bigeye Tuna

  • Contaminants: Mercury
  • Why it’s risky: Bigeye tuna is popular in sushi, but frequent consumption can pose mercury risks.

Better alternative: Light canned tuna (lower mercury)


7. Marlin

  • Contaminants: Mercury
  • Why it’s risky: Another large predatory fish with high mercury levels.

Better alternative: Small pelagic fish like sardines or anchovies


8. Ahi Tuna

  • Contaminants: Mercury
  • Why it’s risky: Commonly served raw in sushi, ahi tuna can have elevated mercury levels.

Better alternative: Skip for raw sushi; try salmon or shrimp instead


9. Chilean Sea Bass

  • Contaminants: Mercury and overfishing concerns
  • Why it’s risky: Both health and environmental issues make this fish less ideal.

Better alternative: Farmed rainbow trout or Atlantic mackerel


10. Bluefin Tuna

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