 |
 |
 |
FDA
Home Page | Search FDA Site |
FDA A-Z Index | Contact FDA
Americans receive a lot of conflicting or confusing messages these days about the foods they eat. The simple fact is, from labeling claims to direct-to-consumer advertising to reports of new scientific studies, there’s more information out there on food products and dietary choices than ever before. For the most part, this information raises awareness and offers valuable scientific insights to help consumers eat wisely and improve their health. But these same scientific data and information are often limited and/or highlight potential new health risks, thus presenting difficult questions for consumers trying to design safe, wholesome and nutritious diets for themselves and for their families.
Recently, consumers have been bombarded by such confusing messages surrounding the consumption of fish. Given the focused media attention on some contaminants in fish and their potential health implications, consumers may be wondering about consuming fish as part of their diets. In light of this confusing barrage of information, it is important to set the record straight and to let all Americans know that fish continues to represent an important part of a balanced diet.
Last December FDA and EPA presented to FDA’s Foods Advisory Committee a joint draft advisory for pregnant women, nursing mothers, women who may become pregnant, and young children concerning the need to minimize their exposure to mercury resulting from the consumption of certain fish and shellfish. . The basic gist of this consumer advisory was that high levels of methylmercury in the bloodstream of a fetus or young child can cause adverse effects on the developing nervous system of the child. It is important to acknowledge such potential health risks. However, thanks to the latest science, we know more than ever about how to manage these risks, and FDA and EPA are working closer than ever to address such contaminants and protect the public health.
The updated advisory we are issuing today on methylmercury marks a whole new level of collaboration between the two agencies – it is the first time FDA and EPA have combined our advice into a single uniform advisory. (Previously FDA issued an advisory on consumption of commercially caught fish, while EPA issued advice on recreationally caught fish.) Thanks to this joint effort, we are outlining a clear set of guidelines to help Americans continue to consume and enjoy the health benefits of fish while lowering the risk of any harmful effects of mercury, and we are setting the stage for even further collaboration in the time ahead.
Americans can be confident in the safety of the food supply because of the scientific expertise and diligence of the FDA and EPA working to promote the public health. FDA and EPA scientists are world leaders in the scientific investigation, toxicology and health impact of chemical contaminants in the food supply and in the environment, and our two agencies routinely assess and take steps to ensure that the foods Americans consume are nutritious, wholesome, and safe. This includes working together to provide uniform and consistent advice to consumers on the benefits of eating fish, and advice to consumers on how to select fish to maximize its benefits.
And the fact is that the nutritional benefits of consuming fish are substantial. Fish are proven to offer multiple nutritional benefits – they are high in protein, low in saturated fat and they contain many other nutrients that are important for proper growth and development. As EPA and FDA have advised, it is in fact prudent for pregnant women, nursing mothers, women who may become pregnant, and young children to continue eating fish – but simply to avoid those fish that are higher in mercury.
Fish is an integral part of every consumer’s balanced diet. As with any food or health product, there are risks to consumption, but thanks to better scientific information and various public health and safety initiatives by the federal government, Americans can and should feel comfortable consuming fish, and they should know that the U.S. food supply remains one of the safest in the world.
Dr. Lester Crawford is Acting Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration