The issue of mercury-contamination of canned tuna in California has reached an apex with the adoption of a resolution by the California Medical Association (CMA) last week urging the labeling of canned tuna. After reports of mercury poisoning of patients in San Francisco eating canned tuna, CMA became concerned about the clinical implications for patients who are being told to eat more fish for health reasons. Canned tuna is the most commonly consumed fish.
Environmental health advocates concerned about the mercury exposure to sensitive populations, i.e. pregnant women, infants and children, and women of child-bearing years, are urging the Attorney General to label canned tuna because of its mercury content. The Attorney General is already working with grocers to post signs at fish counters warning sensitive populations not to eat other species of fish contaminated with mercury.
"The time has come to label canned tuna and other fish that pose a mercury poisoning threat; our children’s health is too important to stall any longer," said Michael Bender of the Mercury Policy Project, an organization working on national mercury policy issues.
Recent data from a study of chemical body burdens in the United States population done at the Centers for Disease Control found an alarming number of women had levels of mercury in their bodies that would pose a risk to their unborn children. Consumption of contaminated fish is the likely exposure route and canned tuna is the most consumed fish.
For more information you can go the to the Mercury Policy Project website at www.mercurypolicy.org
Source: Mercury Policy Project