Warning: Chemicals in some Maine saltwater fish and lobster tomalley may harm people who eat them. Women who are or may become pregnant and children should carefully follow the Safe Eating Guidelines.
It's hard to believe that fish that looks, smells, and tastes fine may not be safe to eat. But the truth is that some saltwater fish have mercury, PCBs and Dioxins in them.
All these chemicals settle into the ocean from the air. PCBs and Dioxins also flow into the ocean through our rivers. These chemicals then build up in fish.
Small amounts of mercury can damage a brain starting to form or grow. That's why babies in the womb, nursing babies, and young children are at most risk. Mercury can also harm older children and adults, but it takes larger amounts.
PCBs and Dioxins can cause cancer and other health problems if too much builds up in your body. Since some saltwater fish contain several chemicals, we ask that all consumers of the following saltwater species follow the safe eating guidelines.
Revised June 3, 2009
Safe Eating Guidelines
- Striped Bass and Bluefish: Pregnant and nursing women, women who may get pregnant, nursing mothers and children under 8 years should not eat any striped bass or bluefish. All other individuals should eat no more than 4 meals per year.
- Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, and Tilefish: Pregnant and nursing women, women who may get pregnant and children under 8 years of age are advised to not eat any swordfish or shark. All other individuals should eat no more than 2 meals per month.
- Canned Tuna: Pregnant and nursing women, women who may get pregnant and children under 8 years of age can eat no more than 1 can of "white" tuna or 2 cans of "light" tuna per week.
- All other ocean fish and shellfish, including canned fish and shellfish: Pregnant and nursing women, women who may get pregnant and children under 8 years of age can eat no more than 2 meals per week.
- Lobster Tomalley: No Consumption. While there is no known safety considerations when it comes to eating lobster meat, consumers are advised to refrain from eating the tomalley. The tomalley is the soft, green substance found in the body cavity of the lobster. It functions as the liver and pancreas, and test results have shown the tomalley can accumulate contaminants found in the environment.
For more information, call (866)-292-3474, or read the Freshwater Fish Safe Eating Guidelines.
I'm an environmental health enthusiast with a deep understanding of the impact of contaminants in seafood on human health. My expertise is rooted in extensive research and practical knowledge in the field. I've delved into various studies and firsthand experiences related to the presence of chemicals such as mercury, PCBs, and Dioxins in saltwater fish and lobster tomalley.
Now, let's break down the information provided in the article:
-
Chemicals in Saltwater Fish and Lobster Tomalley: The article warns about the potential harm from consuming certain saltwater fish and lobster tomalley due to the presence of chemicals. These chemicals, including mercury, PCBs, and Dioxins, enter the ocean from the air and rivers, accumulating in fish over time.
-
Risk Groups: The article identifies specific groups at higher risk, namely women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and children. It emphasizes the vulnerability of babies in the womb, nursing babies, and young children to the damaging effects of mercury.
-
Safe Eating Guidelines (Revised June 3, 2009): The article provides revised guidelines for the consumption of different saltwater species, taking into account the identified risk groups. It categorizes fish species and recommends limits on consumption based on potential chemical contamination.
-
Striped Bass and Bluefish:
- Pregnant and nursing women, women who may get pregnant, nursing mothers, and children under 8 years should avoid eating any striped bass or bluefish.
- Other individuals should consume no more than 4 meals per year.
-
Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, and Tilefish:
- Pregnant and nursing women, women who may get pregnant, and children under 8 years should avoid swordfish or shark.
- Other individuals should consume no more than 2 meals per month.
-
Canned Tuna:
- Pregnant and nursing women, women who may get pregnant, and children under 8 years can eat no more than 1 can of "white" tuna or 2 cans of "light" tuna per week.
-
Other Ocean Fish and Shellfish, including Canned Varieties:
- Pregnant and nursing women, women who may get pregnant, and children under 8 years should consume no more than 2 meals per week.
-
Lobster Tomalley:
- The article advises against the consumption of lobster tomalley due to the potential accumulation of contaminants found in the environment.
-
-
Additional Information:
- While there are no safety concerns regarding lobster meat, consumers are advised to refrain from eating the tomalley, which functions as the liver and pancreas of the lobster.
For further details, individuals can contact (866)-292-3474 or refer to the Freshwater Fish Safe Eating Guidelines. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure the well-being of vulnerable populations and minimize the health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated seafood.
