Morey's Seafood International

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the “2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.”  Every five years for the past three decades, USDA and HHS issue updated Guidelines, which serve as the basis for all Federal food and nutrition education programs like the iconic food pyramid. 

With this document, the Federal government endorses a public stance that actively encourages eating more seafood, especially during pregnancy. The seafood community has an opportunity to promote that message and point directly to the Guidelines as the conclusions of a prestigious, independent scientific body.  Please familiarize yourself with the following points that will help you discuss the new advice about eating seafood with clients and customers:

The Guidelines encourage everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, to eat seafood at least twice each week for heart and brain benefits.

 ”Moderate evidence shows that consumption of about 8 ounces per week of a variety of seafood, which provide an average consumption of 250 mg per day of EPA and DHA, is associated with reduced cardiac deaths among individuals with and without pre-existing cardiovascular disease.” Pg. 39

• o Diets low in seafood are known to increase the risk of heart disease, the number one cause of death among men and women in the U.S.

 ”In addition to the health benefits for the general public, the nutritional value of seafood is of particular importance during fetal growth and development, as well as in early infancy and child-hood.” Chapter 4 p. 39

• o Omega-3s make up a major part of the brain, so when pregnant and breastfeeding moms eat seafood it provides important precursors to normal brain development.

“The Dietary Guidelines, of course, becomes the action now for federal agencies to make changes to their programs in concert with these guidelines because they are in fact the national nutrition policy. So, we’ll expect consistency as we move through this year and into the next years.” Dr. Robert Post (USDA, Deputy Director, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion) 01/31/11 

• The new Guidelines provide further support for a call upon FDA to update its 2004 advice.  International experts say FDA’s outdated advice should change because it may be inadvertently causing harm.

 Currently, Americans do not eat enough seafood.

• Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows the average American eats about one serving of seafood a week. 
• The FDA estimates pregnant women eat less than half a serving per week.
• Consumer survey data from SeaPak shows 91 percent of parents with children 12 years and younger say their children aren’t eating seafood twice a week. 

 Source: nfi.org