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New Lawsuit Aims to Require Mercury Labels on Seafood


Cinnaminson, NJ – WEBWIRE
EMSL Analytical, Inc.’s North America Locations
EMSL Analytical, Inc.’s North America Locations

Last month, The Center for Science in the Public Interest and the Mercury Policy Project filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Their aim is to require the creation of regulations for package labeling and point-of-sale advisories regarding seafood and mercury.

According to the court filing, the plaintiffs state, “Every year, hundreds of thousands of children in the United States are born with elevated blood mercury levels caused by their mothers’ consumption of fish and shellfish contaminated with methylmercury, a neurotoxin that can lead to learning disabilities, lowered IQ, and impaired cognitive and nervous system functioning. Exposure to methylmercury can be significantly reduced, however, by providing the Target Group with better information about the types of seafood that contain higher levels of mercury and types that contain lower levels of mercury, so that the Target Group can make healthier, more informed decisions when consuming fish.”

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil. It exists in several forms: elemental or metallic mercury, inorganic mercury compounds and organic mercury compounds.  “Mercury can also get into the environment from a number of industrial, power generating, incinerating and mining processes,” said Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Director at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “Mercury in the air eventually settles into water or onto land where it can be washed into water. Once deposited, certain microorganisms can change it into methylmercury, a highly toxic form that builds up in fish, shellfish and animals that eat fish.  Mercury is hazardous for all people, but pregnant women need to be especially cautious of ingesting foods with elevated mercury levels.  EMSL provides mercury testing services in food, consumer products and environmental samples.”

To learn more about testing for mercury in food products or other food testing and labeling services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of food, environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.


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 seafood and mercury
 blood mercury levels
 food testing services
 mercury in food
 methylmercury


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