News Coverage
Experts disagree on salmon PCB levels
Published July 29, 2003
The question of how much is safe to consume when it comes to PCBs is raising questions over whether it is safe to each farm-raised salmon.
The Environmental Working Group, based in Washington, sampled fillets from farm-raised salmon for traces of PCBs. The test results prompted the organization to recommend consumers eat no more than one 8-ounce serving a month.
But the Seattle Times said the group's recommendation was challenged by both the industry and some federal officials, who say it was based on a narrow study that overstates risks to consumers.
Federal Food and Drug Administration officials say the test results do not justify any new restrictions and are far below FDA thresholds.
Further complicating matters are FDA tests showing higher levels of PCBs in farm-raised fish than in wild salmon.
And if that hasn't yet totally confused you, consider the Environmental Protection Agency, which recommends restricting consumption of fish with much lower PCB levels than the standards set by the FDA.
PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyls, are long-lived fire-retarding chemical compounds, once used in industry. PCBs have been linked to increased risks of cancer and fetal development problems. Their use was banned in 1976.