LB2882MaternalNutriti+ - Mead Johnson Nutrition

FOOD SAFETY ISSUES
Fish and Seafood
Seafood is an easy-to-prepare food that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and relatively low in total and
saturated fat. Fish and shellfish also supply LCPUFA, most notably DHA, that play a role in the development of the
fetal and infant brain and retina.
Fish and shellfish, however, are also potential sources of methyl mercury and other neurotoxic contaminants. 35
Exposure to high levels of such contaminants during gestation increases the risk for suboptimal neurodevelopment of
children. Levels of neurotoxic contaminants in fish vary widely among regions of the world. Therefore, it is important
to check with national and regional authorities for information on the levels of contaminants found in fish consumed in
that region and for recommendations on fish consumption. 35
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010, women
in their childbearing years should avoid swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and shark because of their high methyl
mercury content. In addition, women should eat no more than 12 ounces (about 340 grams) of low-mercury fish and
shellfish weekly, such as trout, salmon, pollock, catfish, canned light tuna, canned sardines, shrimp, crab, scallops,
and herring, and limit albacore (“white”) tuna intake to 6 ounces weekly as part of the 12-ounce limit. 36,37 Women who
eat fish caught for sport should first check the safety of the rivers, lakes, and streams where the fish has been caught
with local or state health authorities.
Even with all the caveats, it is likely that the benefits of consuming low-risk seafood outweigh the potential harm to
a developing fetus and to maternal health. 132 Maternal intake of low-risk seafood during pregnancy helps to optimize
neurodevelopment in children. 132-134
Foodborne Pathogens
Pregnant women run a greater risk for foodborne illness from pathogens that can threaten maternal and fetal health. 38
For example, pregnant women are more likely to develop listeriosis if exposed to Listeria monocytogenes. 135 Infection
with Toxoplasma gondii from eating undercooked, contaminated meat and/or from contact with contaminated
cat feces can be transmitted to a fetus and can cause severe illness. 136 Table 12 summarizes common foodborne
pathogens that may harm a pregnant woman or her fetus.
Adequate hand washing and proper food handling can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness. 38 There is
no evidence to suggest that organic foods, which are produced with no synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers,
antibiotics, growth hormones and other drugs, offer complete protection from foodborne pathogens.
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