Todays report from the Mercury Policy Project is not a peer-reviewed scientific study but rather simply the opinions of agenda driven activist groups. The report completely ignores the multitude of studies showing the benefits of eating tuna and the harm that comes when people dont eat enough seafood.

Todays report will do far more harm than good for Americas children. The fact of the matter is, research shows children are not eating nearly enough seafood, let alone just canned tuna, for optimal health.

By just about any measure, tuna is one of the healthiest foods on earth. It is a nutritious food rich in essential nutrients including protein, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.

To suggest children eat less tuna is nothing short of irresponsible. This effort is a classic example of an activist group with a solution in search of a problem.

As the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics explains, not all nutrition advice is created equal. Todays report is a case-in-point. Its suggestions completely contradict the guidance offered by reputable nutrition organizations and government experts including the USDA (Dietary Guidelines for Americans), FAO/WHO and countless others.

The USDA specifically states: A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fish and shellfish can contribute to heart health and children’s proper growth and development. So, women and young children in particular should include fish or shellfish in their diets due to the many nutritional benefits.

Americans diet already contains the second-lowest percentage of fish in the world 7 percent although the USDA guidelines say that 20 percent of the protein we eat should be seafood. It is reckless for anyone to be warning Americans away from seafood.

The overall effect of eating seafood has been exhaustively reviewed and findings are crystal clear: The real risk associated with fish is not eating enough.