FAQs

A. Tuna is an excellent source of protein and much lower in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol than many other protein choices. Tuna also has essential vitamins and minerals such as Niacin, Vitamin B12 and Selenium. The majority of fat in tuna comes from Omega-3 fatty acids that are important in reducing the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends that Americans eat 2 servings of fatty fish, like tuna, a week. Many studies have found that people who eat fish 2 or more times a week have lower rates of heart disease.

Tuna is a quick, easy protein choice that works for lunch or dinner – it’s great on a salad or sandwich and works perfectly in pasta or rice dishes. Look at some of our recipes for quick and easy meal ideas!

A. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are found in fatty fish and some vegetables and nuts. EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) are found in fatty fish. Studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids may be helpful in reducing blood cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.

The majority of fat in tuna comes from Omega-3 fatty acids. The Omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, is also found in the brain and the eye and help with the development of these systems in infants and young children. Some research has also shown that these fatty acids may also have a role in reducing inflammation. Since our bodies cannot manufacture their own supply of Omega-3s, we have to get them from the food we eat.

Tuna is one of the easiest ways for Americans to get Omega-3 fatty acids in their diets.

A. Since the StarKist Flavor Fresh Pouch® Tuna is a vacuum-sealed product, there's no need to refrigerate the pouch before opening.

A. StarKist Seafood Company is committed to protecting the dolphins and was the first company to adopt a dolphin-safe policy in April 1990. We are proud to share with you our worldwide policy to save dolphin lives.

This policy states that:

StarKist will not purchase any tuna caught in association with dolphins.

StarKist continues its practice of refusing to purchase tuna caught with gill or drift nets, which are known to be dangerous to many forms of marine life. StarKist condemns the use of these indiscriminate fishing methods that trap dolphins, whales, and other marine life along with the intended catch of fish.

StarKist was the first major American tuna canning company to make this commitment to the public. We remain committed to this policy and require certification that all tuna we purchase is dolphin-safe. Our dolphin-safe policy includes StarKist® tuna, as well as all of our branded and private label products. StarKist® tuna is labeled with a special "Dolphin-Safe" logo.

A. All unopened StarKist® products have a recommended shelf life of up to three years, provided the product has been stored under normal conditions and the can or pouch appears normal and is not damaged.

A “Best By” date is printed on all StarKist® Tuna products for your convenience.

A. Vegetable broth is added to some StarKist® Tuna products as a flavor enhancer. The broth must consist of two or more of the following: beans, cabbage, carrots, celery, garlic, onions, parsley, peas, potatoes, green or red bell peppers, spinach, or tomatoes.

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies to any of these ingredients, you might want to try StarKist® Low Sodium Chunk Light or Very Low Sodium Chunk White Tuna (which contains only tuna and water). Also, Gourmet Choice™ Solid Light Tuna Fillet, packed in water or olive oil, does not contain vegetable broth.

A. Most StarKist® Tuna products are gluten-free; however, there are several exceptions:

Tuna Creations® Herb & Garlic contains wheat and barley.

Tuna Creations® Tomato Pesto Albacore tuna contains wheat.

Additionally, the crackers in the StarKist Lunch to-Go® would contain gluten.

Please note that due to product changes or new product introductions, we always recommend you check the ingredient statement for the most current ingredient information.

A. Pyrophosphate is a common food grade additive used in a variety of products from chicken nuggets to toothpaste. It’s often added to canned tuna to help prevent the natural formation of mineral crystals. Pyrophosphate is only found in our albacore products since these crystals form most often in albacore tuna.

A. No. MSG is not added to any StarKist® Tuna products and no ingredients containing MSG are added.

A. Canned tuna is safe and canned light meat tuna is listed on the EPA/FDA advisory as one of the fish that has very low levels of methylmercury. The trace levels of methylmercury found in canned tuna are far below the 1.0 parts per million (ppm) standard the FDA has set as safe. FDA testing has shown that canned light meat tuna has an average of 0.1 parts per million (ppm) and that Albacore (white meat) tuna has an average of 0.35 ppm. StarKist has appropriate testing procedures in place to ensure that both our light meat canned and white meat canned tuna are well below the FDA limit of 1 ppm.

For more information, go to the FDA's website at www.fda.gov or call the FDA Center for Food Safety Information Line at 1-888-SAFEFOOD.

A. All of StarKist®’s tuna is wild-caught. The majority of the tuna StarKist obtains is from the Pacific Ocean and the Western Atlantic fisheries. We do not use farm-raised tuna.

A. The majority of our tuna is produced in either American Samoa (which is a territory of the United States) or Ecuador. A small amount of our tuna is also produced in Thailand. All facilities meet the same stringent United States government regulations as plants located inside the country.

A. Tuna labeled as "Light Meat" may contain one or more varieties of light meat species, usually Skipjack or Yellowfin tuna. Tuna labeled as “White Meat” contains Albacore tuna.

A. Since tuna is a natural product, you will notice some natural variation in the color of the fish. Albacore is the only species that can be labeled as "White Tuna"; however, the actual color of albacore tuna ranges from whitish pink to creamy beige. Factors such as the region where the fish was caught, or the age and diet of the fish can affect the color.

A. You can call StarKist Consumer Affairs at 1-800-252-1587, Monday-Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET or click here to email us.