Download Fish Consumption – Recommendations Materials (PDF) - 5/18/16

memo
DATE:
WIC Coordinators & CPAs
TO:
State WIC Staff
FROM:
May 18, 2016
SUBJECT:
Fish Consumption – Recommendations & Materials
Fish can be an important nutritious food for WIC participants.
 Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as women who might become pregnant, should eat
8-12 ounces of cooked seafood each week according to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and
draft revised guidance issued by FDA and EPA.
 Eating fish low in mercury during pregnancy and childhood can help with growth and
neurodevelopment based on the latest science.
 The health benefits of eating fish exceed the risks as long as the fish consumed are low in
mercury and other contaminants.
There are many reasons to enjoy eating fish – they are low in fat, high in protein, vitamins and
minerals. Fish are good to eat during pregnancy because the omega-3 fatty acids in fish help a baby’s
brain and eye development. Fish provide additional health benefits for people of all ages.
However, certain purchased or locally-caught fish might contain mercury or other contaminants that
could affect human health, especially the development of children and unborn babies. MDH safe-eating
guidelines for fish can help Minnesotans choose the best fish to add to their diets. MDH provides
science-based, general statewide safe-eating guidelines for caught or purchased fish – as well as sitespecific advice for lakes and rivers where contaminants have been measured in fish.
Participants who eat fish should be encouraged to do so with positive messaging. One just needs to
check that the types of fish eaten are safe. Luckily most fish available in grocery stores are lower in
mercury. Eating a variety of fish also helps to ensure that most fish eaten will be lower in contaminants.
Order Brochures with the online activated Order Form. Form
Brochures also available via website: “A Family Guide to Eating Fish” and “Eat Fish Often?” brochures
can be viewed on the MDH web site and printed.
Minnesota lakes and rivers site-specific information: Fish consumption guidelines for all waters from
which fish have been tested in Minnesota are available online at:
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MDH website
DNR Lakesfinder
DNR Lakesfinder App for Android cell phones
Qs @ ordering: contact Rick at [email protected] or 651.201.4900.
Qs @ fish consumption guidelines: contact Pat [email protected] or 651.201.4915.