Public Set To Comment On FDA Seafood Guides For Pregnant Moms

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have developed a new analysis supporting and encouraging pregnant and nursing moms to eat in a manner consistent with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendation to add seafood to their diet, including healthy Gulf seafood choices. Before the agency issues its final advice it will seek input from the FDA Risk Communication Advisory Committee and conduct a series of focus groups, as well as accept public comments.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines encourage new and expectant moms to consume 12 ounces of seafood per week. This is a significant change from the FDA’s previous 2004 advice advising moms to eat no more than 12 ounces of seafood. The agency’s new guidelines recommends this group of women boost their intake of fish dramatically.

“The national average for seafood consumption amongst pregnant women is currently less than two ounces per week,” said a pregnant Margaret Henderson, executive director of the Gulf Seafood Institute. “The FDA is proposing to align their recommendations to be consistent with federal policy that finds new and expectant moms should quadrouple the current amount of seafood they’re eating.  Both the Gulf and the U.S. seafood industry provide delicious options to meet the anticipated growing demand by mothers who want to ensure their children are healthy.”

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