Fish advisory

The answer is B. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns pregnant women not to eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish (also known as golden snapper).

Why? Because these fish contain high levels of mercury, which can be dangerous -- especially to developing fetuses.

In addition, an FDA advisory committee now urges the agency to warn pregnant women that eating large amounts of tuna could cause fetal damage. This includes canned tuna. Although the committee didn't recommend a specific limit, members of the panel point to an advisory issued by officials in Wisconsin. It recommends pregnant women eat no more than one six-ounce can of tuna per week, plus another fish meal, or two cans of tuna if they eat no other fish.

The National Academy of Sciences estimates that at least 60,000 babies are born every year that could have learning disabilities because their mothers absorbed mercury while pregnant.

Resources:

Read the FDA's consumer advisory for pregnant women.

Read an online news article discussing the FDA advisory committee's recommendation against pregnant women eating tuna.

August 24, 2002