Which U.S. federal agencies issue specific guidance on fish consumption during pregnancy due to mercury concerns?
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Concerns about mercury, a heavy metal that can accumulate in fish, necessitate regulatory oversight regarding prenatal diet. The official guidance outlining safe consumption parameters for pregnant individuals comes jointly from two major governmental bodies in the United States. These are the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These agencies collaborate to establish mercury exposure guidelines because when ingested by the pregnant person, mercury can traverse the placenta and potentially exert neurotoxic effects on the developing nervous system of the fetus. Their tiered advice helps expectant parents navigate seafood choices safely.
