Media Release
24/1/01
SEAFOOD INDUSTRY WELCOMES FOOD AUTHORITY SUPPORT FOR FISH AS A DIETARY STAPLE
The New Zealand Seafood Industry has welcomed the advice the Australian New Zealand Food Authority ANZFA has given to
the general public about the consumption of fish.
There have been recent reports warning pregnant women to limit the intake of certain species because they have high
mercury levels.
The fish include shark, ray, swordfish, gemfish, orange roughy, ling, southern bluefin tuna and freshwater species near
geothermal areas.
ANZFA has recommended that people should still eat fish but pregnant women limit their intake of fish to four 150 grams
portions of the fish with higher mercury levels, a week.
New Zealand Seafood Industry Council General Manager Trade and Policy Alastair Macfarlane said that recent surveys
indicated that New Zealanders ate less than one 150 gram portion of fish a week.
“The average piece of fish in a fish meal is 80 grams so based on ANZFA recommendations New Zealanders could up their
intake of fish to eight fish portions a week and suffer no ill effects at all.”
“ Fish is a great source of protein, so it is vitally important people include fish in their weekly diet,” Mr Macfarlane
said.
See also...
For more information contact Tina Nixon SeaFIC Communications Manager,
025 223 2789.