Governments need to tell more people to eat seafood

The World Health Organisation is highlighting the danger of not eating enough seafood and says that the benefits of eating fish need to be better communicated by governments around the world.

The report is a joint effort published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). One of the primary findings of the report was the benefit of eating seafood to reduce coronary heart disease.

New Zealand Seafood Industry Council spokesperson, Sarah Crysell says that this report is a step in the right direction and the weight behind it emphasizes the importance of consuming seafood as part of a healthy diet.

“We have always known the health benefits of eating seafood but too often the public aren’t fully aware of just how beneficial seafood can be. It’s a fact that our unborn babies benefit immensely from pregnant mothers eating seafood high in long chain omega-3 fatty acids and this report shows the vital importance for adults as well.”

The report recommended that governments “should better… manage the risks and benefits of fish consumption and more effectively communicate with their citizens.”

In particular they said governments should acknowledge fish consumption as an important food source of energy, protein and a range of essential nutrients and emphasise the benefits it has in reducing coronary heart disease for the general adult population.

Following the publication of this report the WHO and UN have recommended the development of communication strategies that maximize benefits from eating fish.

“The public  needs to be more aware of the benefits of this ‘super food’ and understand that we are in a unique position.  We have the most sustainable seafood in the world and, arguably, the best quality.  Eating more of it is no threat to the future of our fisheries, supports an important local industry and has fantastic health benefits.  We are very lucky to have that opportunity,” says Mrs Crysell.