The goal of this pilot project is to provide grocery stores with educational materials that guide the public, especially women who are or want to become pregnant, nursing mothers, and parents of young children, to healthy fish choices at seafood counters and cases (point of purchase). Healthy fish choices are:

• Low in toxics (mercury, PCBs, and other contaminants)

• High in health benefits

The pilot has been met with approval by store managers, seafood department staff, and customers. The centerpiece of the project is the Healthy Fish Guide, a wallet-size card for shoppers to take home that lists fish low in contaminants and fish that should be avoided due to high mercury levels. In addition, the card shows which fish are highest in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and which fish are caught in ways harmful to the species or the environment.

The educational products are available for stores to display at their seafood counters and packaged seafood cases. Please contact us for more information.

• Product packages for grocery store seafood counter and cases (PDF 374KB)

• Examples of materials currently displayed in stores (PDF 221KB)

• Grocery stores participating in the project (PDF 120KB)

• Healthy Fish Guide

Project News

• The Healthy Fish Choice Project was highlighted in Perspectives, an award winning periodical of Health Research for Action UC Berkley Fish Contamination: Environment and Health at Risk (Vol. 3, No. 1, August 2008)

What Should I Know As a Consumer and a Shopper?

• Fish is good for you and your family. Eat fish at least two times a week.

• Fish is high in protein and low in saturated fat.  

• Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which promotes heart health and protects against inflammatory diseases.

• Omega-3 fatty acids promote healthy brain and nervous system development in children.

• When omega-3’s are consumed by pregnant and nursing women they benefit fetal and child development.  

• Choose fish wisely so you gain the health benefits and avoid the risks!  

• Pick up a free Healthy Fish Guide at your seafood counter or order the guide from us.

  • The guide lists fish that are low in mercury, PCBs, and other contaminants that you can safely eat 2-3 times per week

  • The guide lists fish that are high in mercury - that women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, nursing mothers, or young children - should not eat.

• What you can do if you are concerned about contaminants in the environment.

How Can I Participate in the Healthy Fish Choices Grocery Store Pilot Project?

If you are a grocery store or a seafood store and want to participate in this project, or if you want to get your local grocery store involved, please contact:

Liz Carr

Fish Consumption Advisories Program Coordinator

Work 360-236-3191
Toll Free 1-877-485-7316