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Contaminants in sport fish: A special advisory for women of

childbearing age* and children under 15

This page was reviewed or revised on Thursday, April 23, 2009.

Women of child-bearing age and children under 15 are more sensitive to the effects of contaminants found in some sport fish.  The Ontario Ministry of Environment issues more stringent advice for women of child-bearing age and children under 15 in the Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish (Brochure)

Contaminants in Sport Fish - Important information for women of child-bearing age and parents of children under 15. (PDF) A 2-page educational brochure and summary of the Guide.

Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish 2009-2010 edition, is located at this link.  Community Health Services Department has a reference copy of the Guide.

The format of the 2009-2010 Guide is unchanged form the previous 2007-8 edition.  However, there are many changes in the advisory tables reflecting updated guidelines for some contaminants as well as the incorporation of 120,000 test results performed on 12,000 fish.

Fish can be an important part of a balanced diet. They are low in fat and a great source of high-quality protein and other nutrients.

But Did You Know?

• Some fish from Ontario waters have contaminants that can be harmful to humans.
• Scientific studies show that the developing fetus and young children are particularly sensitive to the contaminants found in some freshwater fish.
• Women of child-bearing age and children under 15 should restrict their consumption of most sport fish caught in Ontario waters.
• Some freshwater fish should not be consumed at all.

Most jurisdictions in North America advise consumption restrictions on sport fish.  The Ontario Government monitors contaminants in Ontario fish and provides consumption information to the public through the guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish.

Keep Yourself Informed and Protect Your Family!

If you consume sport fish you should consult the Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish for:

• Consumption advice on sport fish from 1,860 locations in Ontario;
• Advice specifically for women of child-bearing age and children under 15;
• Advice on the sizes and quantities of fish that can be safely eaten;
• Advice on how to select fish with the lowest contaminant levels;
• Advice on how to prepare fish to reduce contaminants;
• Information on the different contaminants that are found in Ontario fish.

Store-bought Fish

Most but not all fish purchased from retailers are low in contaminants.  Contact Health Canada for specific advice on shark, swordfish and tuna.  If you regularly consume store-bought fish and intend to eat sport fish, you should check the Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish for specific advice.

If in doubt, please contact your doctor or the agencies below.

Advisories and Updates:

Updated March 28, 2007: Health Canada's revised assessment of mercury in fish enhances protection while reflecting advice in Canada's Food Guide

Updated February 19, 2007: Health Canada advises specific groups to limit their consumption of canned albacore tuna.

Web Content Revised:  April 21, 2009

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