Health and Environmental Advocates Applaud Wild Oats Commitment to Post Mercury Seafood Warnings in Stores for Mothers and Children

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Health and Environmental Advocates Applaud Wild Oats Commitment to Post Mercury Seafood Warnings in Stores for Mothers and Children

COLORADO, BOULDER, May. 13 -/E-Wire/-- Wild Oats Markets, Inc, a leading chain of natural food stores, pledged to be the first grocer outside of California to post warnings at seafood counters advising women and children to avoid or limit consumption of certain mercury-tainted seafood. The Zero Mercury Campaign praised Wild Oats for taking the lead in warning at-risk populations about mercury contaminated fish and urged other supermarkets and grocers -- as well as fish markets and restaurantsâto follow suit.

In a written statement released over the weekend, Wild Oats Markets said, "By providing this information to our customers, we are allowing them to make informed choices on the food they purchase and consume."

"We commend Wild Oats for their commitment to warn shoppers at all 101 of their stores in twenty-five states about the exposure risks from mercury-contaminated seafood," said Michael Bender, director of the Mercury Policy Project. "Wild Oats is setting an example for others, demonstrating a high level of corporate responsibility and genuine concern for the health and well-being of their customers."

State and federal health agencies warn pregnant and nursing women and their young children against eating swordfish and other mercury-laden fish because it can cause brain damage and serious health consequences even in low concentrations. Mercury from such sources as coal-burning power plants and incinerators is released into the air and moves up the food chain and eventually into larger predators like shark, swordfish and tuna.

"Wild Oats pledge to educate consumers about mercury contamination in some fish is trend-setting," said Jon Hinck, toxics project director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine which is a member of the Zero Mercury Campaign. "We are also pleased to hear from a company spokesperson that Wild Oats also supports clean air initiatives to reduce mercury pollution."

Wild Oats postings of mercury fish warnings comes on the heels of lawsuits filed in California under Proposition 65 by the Attorney General against fish retailers and restaurants to warn consumers about mercury contaminated seafood. In February, several grocery store chains--including Safeway, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Kroger's and Albertson's-- responded by posting warnings in their California stores.

Wild Oats store warnings are modeled after California's interim warnings. The warnings state in part: "WARNING! Pregnant and nursing women, women who may become pregnant, and young children should not eat the following fish: SWORDFISH, SHARK, KING MACKEREL,TILE FISH. They should also limit their consumption of other fish, including fresh or frozen tuna."

"We praise Wild Oats for taking this initiative, but posting these warnings should not be optional for stores, restaurants, and markets that are selling mercury-contaminated fish," said Elizabeth Saunders of Clean Water Action. "We call on state health departments and the Food and Drug Administration to require similar warnings wherever mercury-contaminated fish is sold."

When released from power plants, incinerators, dental offices and other sources, mercury makes its way into lakes, streams, and oceans, and contaminates fish. Along with swordfish, tuna is among the most highly contaminated fish. Even some canned tuna has elevated levels of mercury. Ten states now warn pregnant women and children to limit consumption of canned tuna.

The National Academy of Sciences estimates that each year over 60,000 children are born at risk for adverse neurodevelopmental effects due to maternal exposure to methylmercury. A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control estimated that one in 12 women of childbearing age in the United States have unsafe mercury levels, translating to over 300,000 babies born at risk each year.

The Natural Resources Council of Maine and the Zero Mercury Campaign sought assurances from officials at Wilds Oats after promotional flyers were distributed last week advertising a mother's day special on swordfish. Wild Oats admits that the promotion was contrary to the company's plans concerning mercury and food safety.

The New England Zero Mercury Campaign was formed in part to promote effective and protective health warnings about the dangers of eating mercury-contaminated fish. Partners in the New England Zero Mercury Campaign include Clean Water Action, the Environmental Health Strategy Center, Health Care Without Harm, the Mercury Policy Project, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Sierra Club Rhode Island, and the Toxics Action Center.

For More Information: http://www.mercurypolicy.org http://www.wildoats.com

Mercury Policy Project

Natural Resources Council of Maine

[REDACTED-PHONE] ext. 212

http://www.mercurypolicy.org

http://www.wildoats.com

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