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Oceana is asking Publix and other grocery stores to post the Food and Drug Administration's mercury advice at their seafood counters. Because mercury can harm a young child or unborn baby's developing nervous system, the FDA has issued advice for women of child-bearing age and children to avoid certain fish that are contaminated with high levels of mercury, such as swordfish, and instead choose low-mercury fish, such as tilapia. This information, unfortunately, has not reached many families. Signs Warn Customers: Families should be equipped with this information at the place where they buy fish so that they can make informed seafood purchases. Studies have shown that as many as 30 percent of women planning to have a child or already pregnant do not know that mercury in fish could harm their children's development. Nearly 30% of major grocery companies, like Whole Foods, Kroger and Harris Teeter, are posting signs about mercury in fish and are recognized on Oceana's Green List but Publix has refused to take this step to protect its customers. Brochures Don't Cut It: Some Publix stores display brochures about the FDA mercury advice but the company has refused to post signs. Brochures about mercury are not sufficient to grab the attention of busy shoppers. Just as information about what's on sale is posted prominently, not buried in a brochure, this important government health advice also needs to be visible on a sign. |
