Heavy metal mercury found in fish
Warning pregnant women and young children against eating several types of fish, including swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tuna
12.07.2005 |Sascha Gabizon
FDA not doing enough to warn of poisoning, environmentalists assert
By Douglas Fischer, STAFF WRITER
A national environmental group wants grocery stores to do more to warn consumers about mercury contamination of popular fish, such as swordfish and tuna, and is asking major chains to place warning signs next to such items on shelves and fish cases.
The group, Oceana, intensified its Seafood Contamination Campaign last week, enlisting model Amber Valletta, in an effort to inform consumers of mercury advisories by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The most recent advisory, issued last spring, warned pregnant women and mothers, nursing mothers, young children and women who might become pregnant against eating several types of fish, including swordfish, shark and king mackerel. It also urged such women and children to limit consumption of other fish, including albacore tuna.
Environmental groups have lambasted those guidelines as lax and cite polls showing confusion among consumers as proof the FDA's attempt to warn the public is equally inadequate.
"You can't assume the at-risk population has been informed," said Jackie Savitz, director for the Oceana campaign. "People at best know there are some fish they're supposed to avoid, but they don't know what fish."
"Posting warning signs in grocery stores is a simple, inexpensive solution that fulfills that fundamental right to know," she said.
In June, Oceana sent letters to several major chains, including Albertsons, Wal-Mart, Safeway and Whole Foods. None has responded, said Savitz.
Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons already places small signs at fish counters, said spokeswoman Quyen Ha. The sign essentially restates the federal advisory, warning pregnant and nursing women away from specific fish but reminding consumers fish remains a key part of a balanced diet.
The FDA, meanwhile, has no plans to ask stores to place such
Source: Oakland Tribune, 11 July 2005
