science

Important matters of public health deserve thorough, transparent evaluation December 15, 2008 Washington, DC – A Washington Post story detailing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) draft report on seafood consumption that apparently recommends urging the government to amend its out-of-date seafood advice has put seafood science in the spotlight. “This is an important and positive first step towards recognizing nearly five years worth of science that shows the powerful health benefits of seafood,” said John Connelly, President of the National Fisheries Institute. “Everyone involved in this issue should support a full and public evaluation of the science.” The FDA tells the Associated Press it, “intends to seek public comment” and that, “this will all be done in a very public and transparent manner.” The FDA/EPA seafood consumption advice was last updated in 2004. And while a review of the latest seafood science surrounding that advice has been a strategic priority for the FDA since 2006, this is the first time parts of that process have been made public. “This is an important matter of public health that deserves thorough evaluation by qualified doctors, dietitians, and researchers,” said Connelly. “Those whose agenda is human health want the latest science reviewed and incorporated into any and all federal seafood consumption advice.” 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. ### Contact Information:  Gavin Gibbons (703) 752-8891 ggibbons@NFI.org

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.

The environmental lobbying group Oceana has unfortunately turned to misinformation in an attempt to distract from the fact that responsible food communicators and registered dietitians have produced a well-researched piece of nutrition communication on pregnancy and seafood. Oceana's efforts are designed to decrease fish consumption and not improve public health. The science-based pregnancy and seafood flyer is an effort to get the latest ground truth science, including FDA advice as well as conclusions from more recently published independent studies, into the hands of targeted consumers.