Fish are an important part of a healthy diet. They are a lean, low‐calorie source of protein.
For most people, the risk from eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern. However, some groups of people such as pregnant people, children, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems, are at a greater health risk of adverse health effects. Additionally, some individuals are at a higher risk for adverse health effects simply because they eat a lot of fish.
There are different possible causes of adverse health effects from eating fish or shellfish (e.g., clams, oysters). Some fish and shellfish (e.g., clams, oysters) may contain chemicals or illness-causing microorganisms like bacteria and viruses that could pose health risks to people which can impact how to eat the fish and the amount and frequency of what is safe to eat.
On this page:
People
Older Adults and People with Underlying Health Conditions
People Who Eat More Fish than the Average Person
Vulnerable people who need to be aware/concerned about eating fish and shellfish are:
These groups should pay particular attention to the types of fish they consume, the amount of fish and the waters that they eat fish from to ensure that they do not put their health at risk.
People who are Pregnant, May Become Pregnant or are Breastfeeding
The nutritional value of fish is important during growth and development before birth, in early infancy for breastfed infants and in childhood. The health risks from contaminants, for example mercury in fish and shellfish, depend on the amount and parts of fish and shellfish a person eats and the levels of the contaminant in the specific fish and shellfish. Some fish contain higher levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child's developing nervous system.
As a result, people who are pregnant or may become pregnant and people who are nursing risk exposing their children to contamination if they eat these fish.
There is more than one advice to know about.
EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish
EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish: What Pregnant People and Parents Should Know recommends that people who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding eat 2 to 3 servings (8 to 12 ounces) of fish each week from choices that are lower in mercury. The advice includes a chart that shows how often people and children can eat more than 60 types of fish and shellfish. The fish are grouped into “best choices,” “good choices” and “choices to avoid” based on mercury content.
- EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish
State/Territory/Tribe Advice
Check your state/territory/tribe fish and shellfish advisories for information about fish and shellfish that can be safely eaten where you live or are visiting.
Children
If you are serving fish to children, there is more than one kind of advice to know about.
EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish: What Pregnant Women and Parents Should Know
EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish includes a chart of more than 60 types of fish and shellfish grouped into “best choices,” “good choices” and “choices to avoid.” The advice recommends that children eat 1 to 2 servings of fish each week from the “best choices” list, and in smaller portion sizes than adults:
- 1 to 3 years old should eat 1 ounce per serving
- 4 to 7 years old should eat 2 ounces per serving
- 8 to 10 years old should eat 3 ounces per serving
- 11 and older can eat adult-sized portions of 4 ounces per serving.
State/Territory/Tribe Advice
Check your state/territory/tribe fish and shellfish advisories for information about fish and shellfish that can be safely eaten where you live or are visiting.
Older Adults and People with Underlying Health Conditions
The elderly and those with underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to adverse health effects from contaminated fish even if contamination levels are low.
Both of these groups are at a greater risk to negative health impacts because their bodies may be less able to remove these contaminants safely from their systems. Therefore, these people should limit their consumption of fish and shellfish that may be contaminated. Check information about fish and shellfish that can be safely eaten where you live or are visiting.
People Who Eat More Fish than the Average Person
Eating fish frequently and/or in large quantities can pose a significant health risk because mercury or other contaminants tend to build up in your body over time. This can expose a person to too much contamination.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, recommends 8 oz. of fish each week. Sport anglers and recreational fishers, as well as subsistence fishers, are at risk because these groups tend to eat more than 8 oz. of fish each week.
Additionally, if you currently eat more than 8 oz. of fish each week, you should be aware of:
- EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish
State/Territory/Tribe Advice
Your state/territory/tribe fish and shellfish advisories. Check information about fish and shellfish that can be safely eaten where you live or are visiting.
