From: iaida999@yahoo.com
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2001 8:15 PM
To: Schwetz, Bernard
Subject: Methylmercury Contamination of Fish, FDA Docket No. OOP-1411/CP
1



Bernard A. Schwetz
Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857

Dear Bernard A. Schwetz,

Please help protect America from birth defects caused
by contaminated fish. According to the National Academy
of Sciences; each year more than 60,000 children are
born at risk for neurological problems due to exposure
to low-level methylmercury from seafood eaten by their
mothers. 

Consumers know that fish can be important in a healthy
diet. But that is only true if the fish doesn't contain
chemical hazards. Action needs to be taken now to tighten
FDA's "allowable exposure level" so it is consistent
with the standard that the EPA and National Academy
of Sciences recommend. Subsequently, the agency's monitoring
needs to be increased so seafood that violates this
new, tougher standard is removed from the market. 

I support the petition by the Center for Science in
the Public Interest to take these steps. The FDA also
should expand its advisory to include all persons that
mercury-contaminated fish, including tuna steaks, pose
significant health risks to. The FDA can publicize
the risk best by requiring clear warning labels on
packages and in stores. 



Sincerely,


Rev. Lauren Benjamin
846 Barkers Landing Rd.
Magnolia, Delaware 19962