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R. L. COLLETTE, Science & Technology, National Fisheries Institute, Inc., 7918 Jones Branch Dr., Ste. 700, McLean, VA 22102 There have been a series of mixed messages to the consumer about the benefits or risks in eating seafood. In some cases, the warnings have been issued by government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency's Joint Fish Advisory on methylmercury. In other cases, the warnings have come from advocacy groups and others. Unfortunately, the advice is often miscommunicated and misunderstood by consumers. In general, fish and shellfish are high in protein, low in fat and saturated fat, and are also relatively low in cholesterol. In addition, fish and shellfish are a good source of the amino acid taurine and omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty fish species, such as salmon, mackerel and blue fish are especially rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The health benefits that omega-3 fatty acids contribute in the reduction of cardiovascular disease are well established through a great number of scientific studies. More recently, a sizable number of studies are examining their potential role in mitigating other diseases and health conditions such as Alzheimer's. Extensive scientific research and recommendations to consume fish regularly from professional societies, health organizations, and government agencies consistently support dietary guidance to consume fish regularly. Nevertheless, increasingly consumers are being warned to eliminate or minimize their consumption of certain species. The warnings, which have been issued due to risks associated with chemical contaminates such as PCB, dioxin, and mercury in fish, have received extensive coverage in news articles and stories in poplar magazines. The emerging news about the benefits of fish and warnings associated with possible risks from chemical contamination will be discussed in the context of their impacts on consumers and the seafood industry.
Session 28, Good fish, bad fish: Perceptions of benefits and risk
2005 IFT Annual Meeting, July 15-20 - New Orleans, Louisiana |