The Mercury Myth: Busted

Occasionally at market we have customers ask if our salmon are safe from mercury contamination and whether or not we conduct mercury testing. The answers to these questions are, respectively, our salmon are safe from mercury contamination and we do not do testing.

These questions stem from a 2004 report by the EPA and FDA that recommended women who are pregnant or may become pregnant limit their salmon intake to 12oz per week. Unfortunately the report has been taken out of context and caused many people to avoid eating salmon due to unfounded fears of consuming too much mercury with their fish. Thankfully, this advice has been debunked by subsequent studies and sound science. Still, the myth persists and a not insignificant percentage of the public remains concerned about mercury contamination in salmon.

Rather than reinventing the wheel and doing a lengthy writeup of our own, we will link to two different pieces (including one by a respected industry competitor) which discuss the relevant issues at length and should fully put to rest any lingering doubts people may have about the health benefits of consuming wild-caught Alaskan salmon to their heart’s content.

For in depth analysis see “5 Reasons Why Concerns about Mercury in Fish Are Misguided” by Chris Kresser and “Is Wild Alaskan Salmon Mercury-Safe?” by Craig Weatherby writing at Vital Choice.

Whether you source your wild salmon from us or from a competitor, you should rest secure in the knowledge that salmon sustainably harvested in Alaska’s wild ocean fisheries not only do not pose a mercury related health risk, they are widely recognized as among the healthiest things you can eat. Bon appetit!