Health Alerts
How many meals are safe to eat per month?
Fish is generally healthy to eat, but you should eat some types infrequently, if at all. This chart lists the most contaminated fish, and how much can safely be eaten each month (assuming no other contaminated fish is consumed). The advice is based on EPA guidance and the latest mercury and PCB data. See the green sections below for safer seafood options. (Download or print a PDF version of the chart.)
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Women: These advisories are for women ages 18-75, with a body weight of 144 pounds and a meal size of 6 ounces (a little more than one-third pound) of fish before cooking.
Men: These advisories are for men ages 18-75, with a body weight of 172 pounds and a meal size of 8 ounces (one-half pound) of fish before cooking.
Older kids: These advisories are for children ages 6-12, with a body weight of 67 pounds and a meal size of 4.5 ounces (a little more than one-quarter pound) of fish before cooking.
Young kids: These advisories are for children ages 0-6, with a body weight of 32 pounds and a meal size of 3 ounces (a little less than one-quarter pound) of fish before cooking.
Young children are especially sensitive to the effects of seafood contaminants, since their nervous systems are still developing. If your child’s body weight or average meal size is drastically different from that assumed above, please adjust the consumption advisory accordingly.
For example, larger portions contain more contaminants, so fewer meals may be eaten safely every month. Similarly, children with lower body weights may be harmed by smaller quantities of contaminants and should consume fewer meals per month than in the table above.
Teens: Follow the advisory above that most closely matches individual body weight and meal size.
For young adults ages 12 to 18, choose the consumption advisories for either children or adults, depending on the individual's body weight and typical meal size.
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Posted: 27-Nov-2007; Updated: 13-Apr-2009
