Bluefin Tuna and Mercury

[nhboy]

Tests find hazardous levels of mercury in tuna sushi in New York

"NEW YORK: Recent laboratory tests performed for The New York Times found so much mercury in tuna sushi that a regular diet of even two or three pieces a week at some restaurants could be a health hazard for the average adult, based on guidelines set out by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Eight of the 44 pieces of sushi The Times purchased from local restaurants and stores in October had mercury levels so high that the Food and Drug Administration could take legal action to remove the fish from the market.

Although all the samples were gathered in New York City, experts believe similar results would be observed elsewhere. "Mercury levels in bluefin are likely to be very high, regardless of location," said Tim Fitzgerald, a marine scientist for Environmental Defense, an advocacy group that works to protect the environment and improve human health. Most of the stores and restaurants in the survey said the tuna The Times had sampled was bluefin."

Tests find hazardous levels of mercury in tuna sushi in New York - International Herald Tribune

 

[PJumper]

Tests find hazardous levels of mercury in tuna sushi in New York

"NEW YORK: Recent laboratory tests performed for The New York Times found so much mercury in tuna sushi that a regular diet of even two or three pieces a week at some restaurants could be a health hazard for the average adult, based on guidelines set out by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Eight of the 44 pieces of sushi The Times purchased from local restaurants and stores in October had mercury levels so high that the Food and Drug Administration could take legal action to remove the fish from the market.

Although all the samples were gathered in New York City, experts believe similar results would be observed elsewhere. "Mercury levels in bluefin are likely to be very high, regardless of location," said Tim Fitzgerald, a marine scientist for Environmental Defense, an advocacy group that works to protect the environment and improve human health. Most of the stores and restaurants in the survey said the tuna The Times had sampled was bluefin."

Tests find hazardous levels of mercury in tuna sushi in New York - International Herald Tribune

I was gonna ignore this thread but something really bothered me lately. That is we worry to much what we eat that we forget to enjoy life at all. Unless your planning to eat tuna everyday for so many years, the effects, if any is negligible.

If you have to worry about eating cancer causing, fattenning, non-organic, or Genetically Modified food, you'll probably die of starvation. I believe in "Moderation". Anything you do in excess is typhically not good. Enjoy life, don't worry about all the stuff these self proclaimed expert say. It's their way of ensuring their job security.

 

[nhboy]

A different view.....

"New York Times reporter Marian Burros wrote herself onto Page One on Jan. 23 with a scaremongering story titled "High Mercury Levels Are Found in Tuna Sushi."


Before you jab yourself in the eyes with your chopsticks and swear off bluefin forever, consider the scientific findings on fish consumption. An excellent overview of the topic, "Twenty-seven Years Studying the Human Neurotoxicity of Methylmercury Exposure," published in the July 2000 issue of Environmental Research, can be purchased for less than a platter of prime sushi."

The New York Times' scaremongering story about mercury-tainted sushi. - By Jack Shafer - Slate Magazine