Mercury in fish and shellfish

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have issued an advisory pamphlet entitled What You Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and Shellfish to inform people how to get the positive health benefits from eating fish and shellfish without undue exposure to the harmful effects of mercury.

Research indicates that high levels of mercury in the bloodstream of unborn babies and young children may harm the developing nervous system. The FDA and EPA's pamphlet gives advice that, if followed, should keep an individual's mercury consumption below levels that have been shown to cause harm. By following the advice, parents can be confident of reducing their unborn or young child's exposure to the harmful effects of mercury while still maintaining a healthy diet that includes the nutritional benefits of fish and shellfish.

Fish and shellfish contain high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, are low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fish and shellfish can contribute to heart health and children's proper growth and development.

The key recommendations in the pamphlet include:

Do not eat shark, swordfish, King Mackerel, or tilefish as they contain high levels of mercury.

Eat up to 12 ounces (two average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury, including shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. (White albacore tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna, but up to six ounces can still be eaten once a week.)

Check local advisories about the safety of fish caught by family and friends in local lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. If no advice is available, eat up to six ounces per week of fish caught in local waters, but don't consume any other fish that week.

Follow these same recommendations when serving fish and shellfish to young children, but serve smaller portions.

For information about the safety of locally caught fish and shellfish, visit EPA's Fish Advisory website, or contact the state or county health department. For copies of the advisory pamphlet, call toll-free 1-888-SAFEFOOD.

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