From: jimspaulding@fastdial.net
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2001 4:42 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,

The dangers of exposure to low-level methylmercury
through the ingestion of tainted seafood are now well
documented. Over 60,000 children are born each year
who are risk for neurological problems. One of the
big problems is that people have been told that seafood
is an important part of a healthy diet.  Yet there
has been little warning of the dangers of methylmercury
contamination. 
Please support the petition by the Center for Science
in the Public Interest to take the following steps.
1. Act now to tighten FDA's allowable exposure level
so it is consistent with the standard that the EPA
and National Academy of Sciences recommend. 
2. Increase the agency's monitoring and remove seafood
from the market that violates this new, tougher standard.
I support the petition by the Center for Science in
the Public The FDA also should expand its advisory
to pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, and
nursing mothers to avoid eating all types of methylmercury-contaminated
fish, including tuna steaks. The FDA can publicize
the risk best by requiring clear warning labels on
packages and in stores. FDA's weak advice to date is
just not enough. 



Sincerely,


James Spaulding
10 Congress St.  APT. 310
Greenfield, Massachusetts 01301