8 February, 2008

THE FOOD Standards Agency has staged an unexpected U-turn on its position on giving advice on eating fish.

The agency this week announced it might start telling people to eat less of certain species to avoid fish stocks being wiped out.

The surprise move comes after years of pressure for the FSA to take account of sustainability when advising people on their diet.

The agency said growing concern about fish stocks and the environmental impact of fishing and fish farming has led it to launch a “thorough, wide-ranging consultation process” the results of which will be published by the end of this year.

The agency currently suggests people eat more fish, aiming for at least two portions a week, one of which should be “oily”.

Due to low levels of pollutants in oily fish which can build up in people’s bodies, the advice is for pregnant and breast feeding women, girls and women who may one day have a baby to eat no more than two portions of oily fish a week. Others can eat up to four portions a week.

Rosemary Hignett, head of the FSA's nutrition division, said: “We are aware that fish consumption and sustainability is a key issue for many consumers and current advice can be confusing.

“We are going to involve interested stakeholders, including other government departments, consumer and health groups, environmental organisations, as well as representatives of the fishing and food industries.”