Question reference: S2W-05457
- Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 13 January 2004
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Current status: Answered by Tom McCabe on 9 February 2004
Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide advice for groups of people, such as pregnant women, children and others at risk of cardiovascular disease, on how many portions of farmed salmon may be eaten each year without increasing the risk of cancer or other negative health effects.
Answer
I am advised by the FoodStandards Agency that currentGovernment advice, based on expert scientific opinion, is that consumers shouldaim to eat at least two portions of fish a week, one of which should be oily. Thebiggest diet-related risk to UK health is heart disease and oily fish, includingsalmon, contain fatty acids that help prevent this.
In 2003, the Food Standards Agency asked the Scientific AdvisoryCommittee on Nutrition and the Committee on Toxicity of Chemical in FoodConsumer Products and the Environment to jointly review the latest evidence onthe balance of risks and benefits of increased consumption of fish. Advice onthis is expected later this year.
In the meantime the Food Standards Agency and the Scottish Executive will continue tomake information and advice available to consumers through the Agency’sweb-site and the “Healthy Living” line.