Parent Talk / November 2006
Navigating the Ocean for Dinner
KidSafe Seafood, a new collaborative effort of chefs, pediatricians, and sustainable seafood experts can give parents committed to feeding their children a healthy diet some extra help. A response to the increasing interest in serving kids low-fat, nutrient-rich seafood to counter the surge in childhood obesity and diet-related illnesses, KidSafe Seafood clearly identifies some of the healthiest seafood choices for kids and provides easy recipes and resources for busy parents.
The National Academies Institute of Medicine reports that a wide variety of low-contaminant seafoods can play an important part of a healthy diet for children. It also acknowledges, however, that parents and other consumers need clearer information to sort through seafood risks and benefits. While seafood offers omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, most fish contain at least trace amounts of toxic industrial pollutants, particularly mercury and PCBs, which can be harmful to children’s growing bodies and rapidly developing brains.
Many parents are confused about which fish are best for kids. Fish are one of the most nutritious foods for kids, but it is important to select the right ones.”
The top ranking KidSafe Seafood choices are Wild Alaskan salmon (pink, coho and chum), tilapia (preferably from the US or Central America, shrimp (preferably U.S. farmed, Oregon pink, and northern “salad” shrimp), farmed bay scallops and farmed blue mussels
Through a rigorous assessment process that analyzed the 65 most commonly eaten seafoods, the program has identified the very best seafood choices for children-those that are sufficiently low in mercury and PCBs to be safe for children, age 3 and older, to eat at least once a week, based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s safety guidelines. To make its assessments, the program uses the best available state, federal, and academic studies, supplementing the limited data collected by the FDA, under the guidance of a panel of doctors and scientists. KidSafe Seafoods also meet high standards for nutrition and environmental friendliness to guide parents who are looking for the all-around best choices.
The initiative underscores the connection between human health and the environment by highlighting seafood options that are caught in a sustainable way and low in contaminants-seafood that is good for people and good for the ocean.
The KidSafe website, www.KidSafeSeafood.org, showcases kid-friendly recipes, like healthy homemade fish sticks,and easy cooking tips to help busy parents put seafood on the table every week.
For a consumption advisory chart on contaminants in seafood, see http://www.oceansalive.org/eat.cfm.
Copyright © 2007 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
Top • Home • Subscribe • Advertise • Submit • Distribution • Contact
Support Our Advertisers • Organization Resources • Women Owned Business
Designed by Livewire Studio
Send an Email About This Article