American Academy of Family Physicians

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Mercury in Food as a Human Health Hazard


The AAFP supports continued testing for mercury content in fish by appropriate agencies; updating laboratory reporting of results of mercury testing; and making the findings publicly available, consistent with current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Academy of Sciences (NAS) standards. Family physicians should also become knowledgeable regarding mercury toxicity to provide information to their patients about the dangers and benefits of eating certain fish and the increased risks in pregnancy and for children.

The AAFP supports acquisition of additional data on mercury in fish and continued publication of consumption guidelines established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is recommended that a variety of species of fish be eaten to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks. (2007)