To limit fish eating or not: FDA and EPA at odds

William Atkins
Saturday, 13 December 2008 21:09

Science - Health

FDA spokesperson Michael Herndon stated, "It would be a mistake to assume that this draft report represents the FDA's official position because a final determination on these matters has not been reached. Following the discussion among government agencies, FDA intends to seek public comment."

Herndon adds, "This will all be done in a very public and transparent manner, and the FDA will make no final determination until all the relevant comments and scientific analysis has been carefully considered." [The Associated Press]

The FDA report states that the consumption of fish has "a beneficial impact on fetal neurodevelopment from the mother's consumption of fish, even though they contain methylmercury.” And, “The net effect is not necessarily adverse, and could in fact be beneficial.”

However, the FDA report also stated, “… this FDA report bases its conclusions on models that use very limited inputs from studies that have significant problems for risk analysis."

This controversy is exceptionally important to consumers of fish because of its implications to one’s health, both young and old.

For more information on the subject (on the side of the EPA), please read the Environmental Working Group article “FDA's Midnight Mischief Heightens Mercury Risk to Pregnant Women, Infants.”

Please also read the FDA “Seafood Information and Resources” article.