A group of scientists affiliated with the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (HMHB) announced conclusions yesterday that new moms and moms-to-be should eat at least 12 ounces of seafood per week to encourage wee ones’ brain development. Federal agencies, which advise moms to consume no more than 12 ounces of seafood per week to reduce babies’ exposure to mercury, found that fishy. “We are members of [HMHB], but we were not informed of this announcement in advance, and we do not support it,” said a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson. The National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Food and Drug Administration were also caught unawares. The new research was funded by (drumroll, please) the seafood industry. Says the executive director of HMHB, “The industry has brought the panel together, paid for their travel to review the science, and they are allowing us to share our message that it’s really important to eat fish.” And they hope you’ll buy that hook, line, and sinker.
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