Consumers need more guidance on fish

An analysis of fish consumption choices indicates consumers are not getting information they need to make informed fish decisions, U.S. researchers say. Study leaders Dr. Susan Korrick and Dr. Emily Oken of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston summarized fish consumption choice from toxicological, nutritional, ecological and economic points of view, through evaluation of the scientific literature, public health guidelines and U.S. fish consumption advisories. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, found there is no one place that gives consumers a complete view of the advantages and disadvantages of various fish species. "Our research shows that there is no one perfect fish when considering nutritional value, toxicity rates and the environmental and economic impact," Oken said in a statement. "Consumers are forced to decide what tradeoffs they are willing to make. But as a consumer standing in a store, it is difficult to understand the pros and cons of a fish purchase, because the amount of readily available information is limited." The research highlights the need for the development of clear and simple consumer advice that describes the multiple impacts of fish consumption, Korrick said.