A couple of hours ago, the Environmental Protection Agency published something called the National Lake Fish Tissue Study, a "national screening-level survey of chemical residues in fish tissue from lakes and reservoirs," in the lower 48 states. Here's how the AP is reporting its findings.
Reports are percolating today about an EPA study that found fish caught near wastewater treatment plants had residues of pharmaceuticals in them, including medicines used to treat high cholesterol, allergies, high blood pressure, bipolar disorder and depression.
Here at NFI, you could forgive us if we get a little wary whenever the New York Times takes up the issue of fish consumption and mercury. As you can see from the NFI on the Record section of our Web site,
The EPA vs. FDA interagency turf battle that has sprung up surrounding the issue of whether the latest independent science should be incorporated into the federal advice on seafood consumption has gotten a bit of coverage lately, including on CNN.
The EPA vs. FDA interagency turf battle that has sprung up surrounding the issue of whether the latest independent science should be incorporated into the federal advice on seafood consumption has gotten a bit of coverage lately, including on CNN.
It's a question perhaps best answered by his bosses, and we're sending them a letter asking just that. We'll let you know what they say.
But while they ponder that query let's take a look at his latest Chicago Tribune article titled Mercury-tainted fish on FDA menu. The very first paragraph is quintessential Hawthorne; a mix of distortion, opinion and poor (if not absent) sourcing.
In an irresponsible and unethical attempt to highjack nutrition policy, environmental lobbyists have launched a concerted effort to usurp the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) authority over food nutrition issues.
The Washington Post reports that the Food and Drug Administration has delivered a report to the Office of Management and Budget suggesting that it is time to amend the FDA/EPA seafood advisory.
NFI calls on Obama Administration to Update Advisory in first 100 days
December 12, 2008 Washington, DC - A Washington Post report says the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has delivered a recommendation urging the government to amend its out of date seafood advisory based on the latest science. The report says the FDA has concluded that the greatest benefits to pregnant women and women of childbearing age would come from eating more fish.
"President Elect Obama should make updating the seafood advisory a priority. While NFI has not seen this internal report, it is an issue of public health that, it appears, the FDA has spoken out clearly on," said John Connelly, president of the National Fisheries Institute. "We believe the advisory should be amended to reflect the current state of science within the first 100 days of the Obama administration."
An overwhelming amount of research since the advisory was last updated in 2004 suggests the real risk to women and children is not eating enough seafood. A Harvard University study released in September of '08 highlighted the benefits of a seafood rich diet. Ground breaking research published in the Lancet in 2007 found mothers who ate the most seafood during pregnancy had children with the highest developmental outcomes. A 2006 Institute Of Medicine report encouraged women to include seafood in their diets. Harvard Center for Risk Analysis in 2005 wrote that curtailing fish consumption could lead to an increase risk of "adverse health outcomes."
"The USDA updates its dietary guidelines for Americans every 5 years, like clockwork. It reviews the latest in nutrition science and makes recommendations. It stands to reason that the FDA/EPA would too," said Connelly.
For more than 60 years, the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and its members have provided American families with the variety of sustainable seafood essential to a healthy diet. For more information visit: www.AboutSeafood.com.
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Contact Information:
Gavin Gibbons
(703) 752-8891
ggibbons@NFI.org
Seafood Recommendations
A summary of what more than 10 leading health organizations have to say about eating fish. Includes recommendations for the general population and pregnant women.
Seafood Consumption Data
The most recent data showing how much fish and fish-based omega-3s Americans eat.
