Fish Advisories and Consumption Warnings from Various Expert Bodies

The American Heart Association, United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and many states have all issued advisories on the consumption of fish. These warnings come in response to findings that certain fish contain mercury, a contaminant that when present at high levels could harm the developing nervous system of fetuses, newborns and young children. High levels of mercury may also diminish the protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids on heart health. To minimize the risk of mercury exposure, the FDA recommends that pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, nursing mothers and young children eat no more than 12 ounces of cooked fish per week and choose a variety of fish rather than a single type.