March 2, 2002

Review on Fish-Eating Advice for Women

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ASHINGTON, March 1 (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration said a panel of independent scientists would review its advice to pregnant women about which fish to shun because of contamination with mercury, which at certain levels can harm a fetus's developing brain.

The agency now advises women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish, and to eat no more than 12 ounces a week of other cooked fish, including canned tuna. But some consumer advocates say the limits for tuna should be much lower, and yesterday the advocacy organization Environmental Working Group accused the food and drug agency of diluting its warning because of pressure from the seafood industry.

The agency denied that, but said its independent food-safety advisory board would review the debate at a meeting in spring.