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Fish Guide for Women of Childbearing Age and Small Children

Nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury. Some fish contain higher levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child's developing nervous system. The risks associated with eating fish contaminated with mercury depend on the amount you consume and the levels of mercury in the fish and shellfish. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are advising women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children to avoid some types of fish and eat fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.

To find out specific fish advisories in your state, visit: http://epa.gov/waterscience/fish/states.htm.

Do Not Eat
(Highest Mercury)
Avoid
(Less than three 6 oz. servings a month)
Eat Sparingly
(less than six 6 oz. servings a month)
Low in Mercury
(eat in moderation)
Grouper
Mackerel King
Shark
Swordfish
Tilefish (Gulf of Mexico)
Bass (Saltwater, Sea/Striped/Rockfish)
Bluefish
Croaker White (Pacific)
Halibut
Lobster (Northern/American)
Mackerel Spanish (Gulf of Mexico)
Marlin
Orange Roughy
Scorpionfish
Tuna (Canned, Albacore)
Tuna (Fresh/Frozen)
Buffalofish
Carp
Mackerel Spanish (S. Atlantic)
Monkfish
Perch (freshwater)
Sablefish
Sheepshead
Skate
Snapper
Tilefish (Atlantic)
Tuna (Canned, Light)
Weakfish (Sea Trout)
Anchovies
Butterfish
Catfish
Clams
Cod
Crab (Blue/King/Snow)
Crawfish
Croaker (Atlantic)
Flounder
Haddock
Hake
Herring
Jacksmelt
Lobster (Spiny)
Mackerel Atlantic (N. Atlantic)
Mackerel Chub (Pacific)
Mullet
Oysters
Perch Ocean
Pickerel
Plaice
Pollock
Salmon (Canned)
Salmon (Fresh/Frozen)
Sardine
Scallops
Shad (American)
Shrimp
Sole
Squid
Tilapia
Trout (Freshwater)
Whitefish
Whiting

 The information from this fish guide comes from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration websites.

The categories in this guide are determined according to the mercury levels found in tested fish:
Do Not Eat: More than .55 parts per million
Avoid: 0.26 to 0.54 parts per million
Eat Sparingly: 0.12 to 0.25 parts per million
Low in Mercury: Less than 0.12 parts per million


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