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Overview
Fish Q & A
Lower-mercury choices
How much tuna is safe?
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Lower-mercury choices

Last reviewed: January 2011
January 2011 issue cover This article appeared in
January 2011 Consumer Reports Magazine.

Federal agencies advise children and women of childbearing age to avoid four high-mercury fish: king mackerel, shark, swordfish, and tilefish. Our experts say the species below are low in mercury and good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The limits assume that no other mercury-containing seafood will be eaten during the same week and are based on a daily serving of about 6 ounces for adults and 3 ounces for young children.

Species Limit
Clams, Alaskan salmon, shrimp, and tilapia
OK daily for everyone.
Oysters, pollock, and sardines
OK daily for all adults. For children, oysters and sardines OK daily; pollock several times a week.
Pacific flounder and sole, herring, mullet, and scallops
OK daily for men and postmenopausal women, several times a week for children and women of childbearing age.