BACKGROUND: Since 1980, Missouri has issued an annual fish consumption advisory. To date, these advisories have focused on the harmful effects of chemical contaminants found in fish; however, Missouri would like to expand the focus to include the benefits of eating fish to the state’s annual advisory. Currently there is a lack of data on healthy fatty acids in fish in many Midwestern states including Missouri.
METHODS: In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services partnered with the Department of Conservation to collect over 300 fish, consisting of more than 20 species from the Mississippi River, to test for both beneficial fatty acids and harmful chemical contaminants.
RESULTS: The laboratory analysis of these fish provided Missouri with detailed nutritional information on over 20 popular fish species. The results of the fatty acid testing will be used in future fish advisory decisions for the State of Missouri.
CONCLUSIONS: For the first time in Missouri, fatty acids have been tested and used in the fish advisory. This data will be shared with Missouri partners and other states along the Mississippi River. We plan to continue testing in additional areas of the state over the course of the next few years. We hope other Midwestern states and partners will also conduct similar testing. This will improve the nutritional quality knowledge of fish and will help experts provide better fish consumption advice in the future.