What About Mercury in Fish?

The Healthy Eating Pyramid recommends:

Fish, Poultry, and Eggs (0 to 2 times). These are important sources of protein. A wealth of research suggests that eating fish can reduce the risk of heart disease.

In the press there is also much debate about levels of mercury in fish. Fish are important in a healthy diet. They are a lean, low-calorie source of protein. However, some fish may contain methylmercury or other harmful chemicals at sufficiently high levels to be a concern. Federal, state and local governments issue fish consumption advisories when the fish are unsafe to eat. The advisories may suggest that people avoid eating certain kinds or certain amounts of fish.

Click here for the latest information on mercury levels from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the EPA's Fish Consumption Advisories, by region and a special brochure of information for women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children: What You Need to Know about Mercury in Fish and Shellfish

Similar information for Canada can be found at Health Canada

or use a search engine to look for your country. Example, search for "Canada and mercury in fish"

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