FISH CAN BE A HEALTHY CHOICE! Fish is a high-protein, low-fat food that should be part of a healthy diet. Do you eat fish, shellfish, or turtles caught from local waters? The U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is recommending that pregnant women or women that may become pregnant, and nursing mothers not eat more than 6 ounces in a week of fish (cooked weight). This advice is for fish caught in local waters The EPA also recommends that young children not eat more than 2 ounces in a week of fish (cooked weight), caught in local waters. However, chemicals in some fish may be hazardous to your child's health. Do you eat fish from a store or restaurant ? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recommending that pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, ortilefish. The FDA also recommends that pregnant women and women who may become pregnant can safely eat up to an average of 12 ounces a week of other types of fish (cooked weight) from a store or restaurant. 3EEPA WHAT CAN YOU DO? Contact your Health Department for specific advisories for your area. If there are none, follow the federal advisories above. ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Connect to www.epa.gov/ost/fish for additional information and related links. EPA 823-H-01-001 ------- |