HC Deb 22 January 2004 vol 416 cc1433-4W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment his Department has made of research undertaken by the US Food and Drug Administration into mercury contamination of tuna; [148591]

(2) what advice his Department gives to consumers on the consumption of tuna, with particular reference to mercury content. [148593]

Miss Melanie Johnson

The Food Standards Agency advises that pregnant and breast-feeding women, and women who intend to become pregnant, should limit their consumption of tuna to no more than two medium size cans (drained weight approximately 140 g.) or one fresh tuna steak per week as a precaution due to the mercury content. Other consumers do not need to limit community. I am informed by Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire SHA that there are no current plans for the recruitment of additional stroke consultants in Gloucestershire.

their consumption of tuna. This is in line with advice issued by the US Food and Drug Administration on fish consumption, based on surveys of the mercury content of fish.