Dear Bernard A. Schwetz, I am 13, and I ask that you please help protect America's kids from birth defects caused by contaminated fish. Each year more than 60,000 children are born at risk for neurological problems due to exposure to low-level methylmercury from seafood eaten by their mothers, according to the National Academy of Sciences. That is totally unacceptable.
Consumers know that fish can be important in a healthy diet.
But that is only true if the fish doesn't contain chemical hazards. Then you need to increase the agency's monitoring and remove seafood from the market that violates this new, tougher standard. I support the petition by the Center for Science in the Public Interest to take these steps. The FDA also should expand its advisory to pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, and nursing mothers to avoid eating all types of methylmercury-contaminated fish, including tuna steaks. The FDA can publicize the risk best by requiring clear warning labels on packages and in stores.