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Sport Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program

Important information for women who are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, and parents of children under 15

Fish can be an important part of a balanced diet. They are low in fat and a great source of high-quality protein and other nutrients.

But Did You Know :

Some fish from Ontario waters have contaminants that can be harmful to humans
Scientific studies show that the developing fetus and young children are particularly sensitive to the contaminants found in some freshwater fish
Women of childbearing age and children under 15 should restrict consumption of sport fish caught in Ontario waters to no more than four meals per month
Some freshwater fish should not be consumed at all

Most jurisdictions in North America advise consumption restrictions on sport fish.

The Ontario government monitors contaminants in Ontario fish and provides consumption information to the public through the Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish.

Keep Yourself Informed

By being informed about contaminants and knowing the kinds of fish that are safe to eat, you can prevent harm to you and your children while continuing to enjoy the health benefits of eating fish.

Sport Fish

If you consume sport fish, you should consult the Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish.

The Guide provides :

Consumption advice on sport fish from more than 1,600 locations in Ontario
Advice on the sizes and quantities of fish that can be safely eaten
Advice on how to select fish with the lowest contaminants
Advice on how to prepare fish to reduce contaminants
Information on the different contaminants that are found in Ontario fish

Store-Bought Fish

Fish purchased from retailers are tested by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to ensure they meet Canadian standards. Most are low in contaminants. However, if you regularly consume store-bought fish and intend to eat sport fish, you should check the Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish.

Health Canada advises that women of childbearing age and children under the age of 15 should consume no more than one meal per month of shark, swordfish, fresh or frozen tuna (not canned tuna). These fish are known to contain higher levels of mercury. Women of childbearing age and children who are regular consumers of shark, swordfish or fresh or frozen tuna are advised not to consume any sport fish.

If in doubt, contact your doctor or the agencies listed below.

Where To Obtain Your Free Copy Of The Guide To Eating Ontario Sport Fish

Government offices
Liquor and beer stores in Ontario, beginning in April
Through the Sport Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program (number listed below, or by emailing: sportfish@ene.gov.on.ca; or On the Internet at: www.ene.gov.on.ca

See also :

Or contact your local public health unit.



Call the ministry INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only) TTY 1-800-387-5559 Hours of operation : 8:30am - 5:00pm	Sport Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program Ministry of the Environment 125 Resources Road Etobicoke ON M9P 3V6 Tel : (416) 327-6816 or 1-800-820-2716 Fax : (416) 327-6519 Health Canada Tel : (613) 957-2991 Internet :www.hc-sc.gc.ca Canadian Food Inspection Agency Tel : (905) 795-9666

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