TUNA FOUNDATION STARTS PRINT CAMPAIGN 2004-05-03 (2)

STEPHANIE FAGNANI

WASHINGTON -- In response to the recent concern over the relationship between pregnant and nursing women and fish consumption, the U.S. Tuna Foundation embarked on a new national advertising campaign last month.

The campaign, which is print-based, seeks to eliminate confusion over the government's recommendations for canned tuna. The Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency recently issued a joint consumer advisory stating that consumers who are sensitive to methylmercury should eat no more than 12 ounces of canned tuna, shrimp, salmon, pollock and catfish per week, and no more than 6 ounces of albacore tuna per week [see "Fine Tuna-ing," SN, April 5, 2004].

The USTF is relaying the message that "FDA and EPA encourage women and young children to eat a variety of fish, including canned tuna" through its advertisements, which began running in the Washington Post late last month followed by spots in USA Today, the New York Times and the San Diego Union Tribune.

Among other messages being pushed by the USTF is the belief that pregnant and nursing women and young children should avoid certain species of fish that contain very high levels of methylmercury, including shark, swordfish, tilefish and king mackerel.

While recent reports have touted the negatives associated with eating fish, the USTF is hoping to shed light on the positives through this campaign.

"It is important for pregnant and nursing women to understand that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are essential during pregnancy and lactation," said Joyce Nettleton, author of "Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Health" and member of the Tuna Nutrition Council, in a prepared statement.