- Contaminants: Mercury
- Why it’s risky: Popular in high-end sushi, it’s another large predator prone to mercury accumulation.
Better alternative: Skip bluefin; choose skipjack or albacore tuna in moderation
11. Grouper
- Contaminants: Mercury
- Why it’s risky: Large grouper species are high on the food chain and tend to accumulate toxins.
Better alternative: Small whitefish like tilapia or cod
12. Imported Catfish (Certain Sources)
- Contaminants: PCBs and other industrial chemicals
- Why it’s risky: Imported catfish from poorly regulated farms may carry environmental contaminants.
Better alternative: U.S.-farmed catfish or freshwater trout
Tips for Choosing Safer Fish
- Check advisories: Local and national agencies often list fish with high mercury or contaminants.
- Eat smaller, younger fish: These tend to have lower toxin levels.
- Diversify seafood choices: Rotate between lower-risk species like salmon, sardines, shrimp, and tilapia.
- Go wild when possible: Wild-caught, sustainably sourced fish often have lower contaminants than certain farmed or imported options.
