![]() ![]() The new recommendations are the result of a review that considered the latest scientific information about fish consumption and mercury. Scientists say the so-called predator fish accumulate more mercury in their flesh because they live longer, grow to a larger size and feed on smaller fish, which themselves can contain mercury. "However the types of fish available for sale in Canada has changed over the years and science is regularly updated as new information is discovered." "Fish and seafood can be an important part of a healthy balanced diet and most Canadians do not need to be concerned about mercury exposure from eating fish," the agency said in a news release. Very young children between 1 and 4 years of age should eat no more than 75 gram per month of these fish species. Young children between 5 and 11 years of age can eat up to 125 gram per month. Women who are or may become pregnant and breastfeeding mothers can eat up to 150 grams per month. Health Canada says the six predatory fish species mentioned offer plenty of nutritional benefits but should be limited to no more than 150 grams per week for the general population. The rules are different for fresh tuna and canned tuna because tuna used in canned products are typically younger and smaller and therefore tend to contain significantly less mercury than the larger fish sold as fresh and frozen products. Other fish, including canned tuna, will still be required to meet the existing standard of 0.5 parts per million, a limit first established in 1970. The health agency says these fish can carry higher levels of mercury than other species because of their relative size, lifespan and diet. ![]() The fish, which had previously been exempted from Health Canada's standard, will now be subject to a 1.0 parts per million mercury limit. Health Canada has revised its recommendations on mercury levels in fish, focusing on six predatory fish that are making their way more frequently into Canadian diets.
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