Some studies have found that farmed fish contain more PCBs and other harmful contaminants than wild fish; many other studies have called farming practices an environmental hazard. It's in light of such safety concerns surrounding farmed-raised fish that wild salmon have gained a little respect.
More importantly, wild salmon, praised by chefs for its texture and flavor, is readily available, even in the winter during the off-season ... or is it?
Stores Tout Farmed Salmon as Wild
A facility in North Carolina tested samples of "fresh wild salmon" sold in eight New York stores and made an interesting discovery:
Fact is, farmed-raised fish make up 90 percent of U.S. salmon sales, as East Coast wild salmon are all but extinct and West Coast catches are restricted by quotas. What's more, "fresh wild salmon" are sold at an average price of $19 a pound, while farm-raised are sold for a mere $5 to $12 a pound.
So, isn't mislabeling food against the law?
When asked to explain the mislabeling of farm-raised for wild salmon, officials at the New York stores gave a variety of excuses. The problem not only exists in New York but also has been reported throughout the country. Federal regulations have begun requiring fish to carry a paper trail back to the source, but only apply to full-service markets such as groceries and not to fish markets.
New York Times April 10, 2005
This story is yet another reason why the New York Times is my favorite newspaper -- they have some of the best investigative reporters in the industry. They are the ones that blew the whistle on the FDA advisory panel conflict of interest when they recently approved Vioxx to come back on the market.
It is particularly sad this level of deception has extended to one of the healthiest foods on the planet: wild non-toxic fish. This product has become so rare that it fetches very high prices, upwards of $20 per pound, and as such the potential for abuse is high.
Today's Food
Sadly, with the state of food today it is becoming increasingly important to carefully evaluate anything you eat in order to be sure you're getting a good product. This newsletter can help you in this process by identifying great resources like the New York Times investigations for you.
Although progressively more uncommon these days, authentic wild salmon typically has much less, if any, mercury and PCBs; it is an incredibly healthy food to eat.
If, however, fish of almost any kind is farmed, or wild but untested, it has the potential to not provide the level of nourishment you are seeking.
It is probably wise to avoid most commercial fish, especially those in a restaurant. However, if you choose to eat fish, please remember these important tips:
The smaller the fish, the better. Smaller fish, having shorter lives and being lower on the food chain, have less time to concentrate toxins like mercury in their bodies. In fact, the smallest fish, like sardines, are often found to be mercury and PCB- free.
Avoid eating these fish all together.
Tuna steaks Sea bass Oysters (Gulf of Mexico) Marlin Halibut Pike Walleye White croaker Largemouth bass Canned tuna Mahi mahi Blue mussels Eastern oyster Cod Pollock Salmon from the Great Lakes Blue crab from the Gulf of Mexico Channel catfish (wild) Lake whitefish
Choose from the following fish on a limited basis.
Summer Flounder Wild Pacific Salmon Croaker Sardines Haddock Tilapia
If you are pregnant, consider avoiding fish altogether.
Use a high-quality supplement as an alternative to eating fish.
If you cannot find truly wild salmon that has been properly tested and proven to be free of mercury at your local grocery stores or fish markets, you can find it in our store.
Related Articles:
Mercury In Your Fish Genetically Modified Fish: A Disaster Waiting to Happen Beware -- Wild Salmon Now Contaminated With Farmed Fish Lice Was Your Baby Born with Mercury-Related IQ Loss?
Mercury In Your Fish
Genetically Modified Fish: A Disaster Waiting to Happen
Beware -- Wild Salmon Now Contaminated With Farmed Fish Lice
Was Your Baby Born with Mercury-Related IQ Loss?