WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MERCURY

Mercury enters the water from man-made and natural sources, such as volcanoes. Fish have always absorbed mercury through their food. Most fish contains trace amounts of mercury and the average concentration in the 10 most popular commercial fish is 5 times safer than the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's limit of 1.0 part per million.

Importantly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Centers for Disease Control have never documented a case of mercury poisoning in the U.S. from eating commercially caught fish. Public health professionals encourage Americans to eat fish as part of a healthy diet. Its' high-protein, low-fat nature means that fish can be part of a weight control plan.   Fish has a long history of being a heart-healthy meal.

The FDA has developed special advice for pregnant women and women who may become pregnant. Because the omega-3 fatty acids in fish are vital to mothers and the developing baby, expectant mothers should be sure to include a variety of fish in their diets.

FDA advises pregnant women to avoid eating shark, swordfish, tilefish and king mackerel, species that can approach the FDA's limit. Most importantly, the American Heart Association, the National Academy of Sciences and the World Health Organization recommend regular fish consumption for its many health benefits.

"Global Assessment of Organic Contaminants in Farmed Salmon", Science 2004.
By Charles R. Santerre, PhD; Associate Professor, Foods and Nutrition, Purdue University

Who conducted study: Researchers at Indiana University, University of Michigan, State University of New York, Albany, Cornell University and a private company.

Sample size:   Tested 700 samples of farmed and wild salmon collected from around the world for pesticides and environmental contaminants. Largest published study of its kind involving these products.

Conclusions :   Results are comparable to past reports for PCBs and dioxin-like compounds in farmed salmon. Farmed salmon is an affordable and available food that should be encouraged in the American diet. The Science study supports the concept that farmed salmon is low in contaminants and therefore, safe to consume. The impact from reducing or eliminating farmed salmon from the American diet is significantly greater than the minimal risk that occurs for consuming this food.

Key Points:   This is a significant study by respected researchers at major institutions. The study demonstrates that farmed salmon is very low in contaminants and meets or exceeds standards established by the FDA and the WHO. At the current per capita consumption rate (0.6 oz/wk), the risk from cancer based upon the EPA reference dose is extremely small. Other studies have demonstrated that consuming fatty fish, like farmed salmon, saves lives and improves the health of very young children. Farmed salmon is also affordable by limited income families. American consumers should be encouraged to increase their intake of fish, including farmed salmon.