Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a topic below for some of our most frequently asked questions!
OUR PRODUCTS
What is the shelf-life of Ocean Naturals?
All our products have a “best by” date of five years from the manufacturing date.
How long can you store an opened can or jar of your product?
We recommend consuming our canned or jarred seafood immediately after opening for the best taste. However, if you do need to save some for later, promptly refrigerate the contents in a separate container and consume within 2 days.
Our jarred products can be refrigerated in the original glass jar.
What is the process for canning seafood?
After the fish is caught, it is delivered to the canning facility where we hand select the best of the catch for production. Our fish is butchered and cooked followed by a thorough cleaning to remove all bones, skin, and other imperfections. The fish is then packed into cans or jars, add ingredients as required, and then sterilize those cans in a process known as retorting, which allows a safe and effective long shelf life in canned and jarred food products.
Are your cans and jars recyclable?
Yes, although recyclability varies by geographic area, all our packaging is recyclable.
Where are your products canned?
Ocean Naturals works only with pre-qualified, industry leading canners with which we have trusted relationships. Currently, our products are processed and canned at a co-packing facility in Paita, Peru.
I have a product suggestion; what is the best way to share it with you?
We’d love to hear it! Reach out using the below contact form.
ABOUT ALLERGENS, FOOD SAFETY & CERTIFICATIONS
Do I need to cook the fish inside of the can?
No. All our products are safe, delicious, and ready to eat straight from the can.
Are your products safe to consume past the Best By date?
For the best experience, we recommend consuming our products by the best by date marked on the can or jar.
Do your products contain soy or soy-based ingredients?
None of our products contain soy or soy-based ingredients.
Do your products contain any allergens?
Yes, our products contain fish. Always read all labels fully and carefully.
Should I be worried about Mercury levels in tuna?
The level of mercury in tuna tends to bioaccumulate (or increase) with the age and size of the fish. Albacore tuna are most often caught by Longline. This fishing method targets tuna well below the surface, which tend to be larger in size and older. Ocean Naturals Albacore is exclusively caught by Pole & Troll (or Pole & Line) and are caught near the surface and tend to be smaller and younger. Because they are younger and smaller, mercury has less chance to bioaccumulate and thus they tend to be lower in overall mercury level.
More info about Mercury:
The most common concern about consuming seafood is mercury. Doctors, dieticians, and health organizations such as the American Heart Association and the May Clinic agree that, for most individuals, the benefits of eating fish far outweigh any risks. Both the EPA and the FDA advise that for most people, the risk from mercury by eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern.
Mercury is an element naturally present in the air, water, and soil. While it exists naturally in several forms, human activities such as the burning of coal increase the amount of mercury present in the world’s lakes, rivers, and oceans.
How does mercury get into our food? Tiny organisms ingest mercury when they feed, and it simply works its way up the food chain to larger and larger species. The resulting methylmercury can build up in animals including fish and shellfish depending on what they eat, how long they live, and how high they are in the food chain.
Visit FDA or Seafood Health Facts for additional info.
What certifications does Ocean Naturals hold?
Our products currently adhere to two third-party certifications: Kosher (OU) and MSC Certified.
WHERE TO FIND OCEAN NATURALS
Where can I buy your products?
Our products are currently available to buy on Amazon, with limited retail distribution in Seattle, WA (DeLaurenti) and Santa Cruz, CA (H&H Fresh Fish Co). We are currently expanding into other retail opportunities and will share updates as they become available.
Can I just buy one can?
Purchases of individual cans can be made at select brick and mortar retailers that carry our product.
Can I buy products direct from Ocean Naturals?
At this time, we do not sell directly from our website, but we plan to do so in the future.
Do you provide a free sample for first time buyers?
We currently do not offer free samples but follow us on Instagram for giveaways and promo codes.
I am a retailer/wholesaler, what is the best way to contact you?
Thank you for your interest! You can contact us using our below contact form.
Can I buy Ocean Naturals in Canada or Mexico?
Our products are only available to buy in the United States.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
What is Ocean Naturals’ position on sustainability?
To find out about our sustainability efforts, please go to:
https://oceannaturals.com/responsibly-caught/
https://oceannaturals.com/sustainability/
What are you doing to reduce plastic waste?
We are proud to say that none of our packaging are made from plastic materials.
In addition, our tuna is caught using fishing methods that do not utilize Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs).
What is a FAD? A FAD is a man-made object, commonly comprised of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials that is set adrift in the ocean to attract tuna. Most often, they are abandoned at sea which contributes to plastic pollution in our oceans.