Are tuna steaks safe to eat?

The bottom line. Raw tuna is generally safe when properly handled and frozen to eliminate parasites. Tuna is highly nutritious, but due to high mercury levels in certain species, it’s best to eat raw tuna in moderation.

Are tuna steaks high in mercury?

Though tuna is very nutritious, it’s also high in mercury compared to most other fish. Therefore, it should be eaten in moderation — not every day. You can eat skipjack and light canned tuna alongside other low-mercury fish a few times each week, but should limit or avoid albacore, yellowfin and bigeye tuna.

How can you tell if tuna is safe to eat raw?

Tuna steak from the grocery store should only be consumed raw if it is labeled sushi-grade or sashimi-grade. While this is still not a guarantee against parasites, it means the fish was caught, cleaned, and frozen quickly while still on the boat and is the best option for sushi or sashimi.

Is tuna steak supposed to be raw?

If you’re wondering if tuna steak should be raw in the middle, the short answer is YES. A properly cooked tuna steak should be seared on the outside but raw on the inside.

How many tuna steaks can I eat per week?

The general recommendation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is to limit tuna steak consumption to no more than 6 ounces per week.