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Mal Wittenberg: Restoring Consumer Confidence In Essential Foods 7/26/2010 Jeremy Piven on Speed-The-Plow and Mercury Poisoning 7/1/2010 Toxic Mercury Is More at Home in Seawater Study Finds 6/30/2010
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Mal Wittenberg: Restoring Consumer Confidence In Essential Foods 7/26/2010
Mal Wittenberg, President and CEO of MASI/Safe Harbor speaks out about food safety, consumer perception and the need for increased consumer confidence in seafood. Read on to see how Safe Harbor helps boost this confidence in seafood daily. Copyright Huffington Post, July 2010.
Jeremy Piven on Speed-The-Plow and Mercury Poisoning 7/1/2010
Actor Jeremy Piven speaks out on his 2008 mercury poisoning from eating sushi while working on the David Mamet play "Speed-The-Plow." Copyright ABC News, 2010.
Toxic Mercury Is More at Home in Seawater Study Finds 6/30/2010
A new study suggests that humans need to be more wary of saltwater fish like tuna, mackerel and sharks than of freshwater fish. Although seawater has lower concentrations of mercury than freshwater, mercury in seawater is more likely to stay in its toxic form, researchers report in a recent issue of Nature Geoscience. Copyright New York Times, 2010.
Navigating the Sustainable Seafood Waters 6/17/2010
A new report from the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) investigates the concept and practice of sustainability in today's seafood industry and reaffirms seafood safety as the number one consumer concern (slides 7-9). Copyright Food Marketing Institute 2010.
Report says FDA struggles to keep food safe 6/8/2010
WASHINGTON - A new report says the Food and Drug Administration is stretched thin and needs to reorganize to better keep the nation's food safe. The FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety of about 80 percent of the nation's food supply, including seafood, dairy products, and fruits and vegetables. Copyright Associated Press, 2010.
How Much Mercury Is In Your Sushi - NBC 3-part piece
NBC Investigative Unit follows Gotmercury as they collect multiple pieces of sushi from numerous restaurants in the L.A. area. Utilizing Micro Analytical Systems, Inc (MASI) to test the fish, the resulting mercury concentrations in the sushi may surprise you, though there are restaurants in L.A. striving to test the fish they sell for mercury. Follow the link to view. Copyright NBC Universal, 2010.
Imax Chief Targets Toxic Mercury
After experiencing mercury poisoning from consuming too much fish, IMAX chief executive Richard Gelfond decided to give $1 million to Long Island's Stony Brook University to highlight and study the dangers of mercury toxicity. Copyright Dow Jones and Company, Inc., 2010.
FOR KIDS: The mercury in that tuna
Eating fish can be good for you: It builds the brains of babies and helps the hearts of grown-ups. And eating fish can be bad for you: Fish from around the world swim in waters polluted with mercury, which gets into some fish, which gets into you when you take a bite. Copyright Society for Science & the Public 2010.
Studies Aim To Resolve Confusion Over Mercury Risks From Fish
Several new papers from Columbia University now suggest strategies by which American diners can negotiate the mercury minefield to tap dietary benefits in fish. Copyright Society for Science and the Public, 2010.
Food Safety Concerns Now More Refined
A new Deloitte survey released last week reveals that mainstream consumers have a more refined understanding of food safety that includes attention to how "processed" a food product is and where its ingredients originate. Sixty-five percent of Deloitte's respondents said they're more concerned than they were five years ago about the food they eat. Copyright 2010 Adweek.
Mercury in Tuna Sushi Higher at Restaurants
Tuna sushi from your local supermarket might have lower mercury levels and so be safer to eat than sushi from a high-end restaurant, a new study using fish DNA suggests. Copyright 2010 Techmedianetwork.com
Website Launched to Rebut 'Fish Stories' on Misguided 'Mercury Facts'
At the "International Mercury Expo 2010" this weekend at the College of William and Mary, a mercury watchdog group led by Dr. Edward Groth launched a new website to counter misinformation on 'mercury facts' spread by industry and groups claiming to represent consumers – but in reality often representing special interests in disguise. Copyright © 1996-2010 PR Newswire Association LLC.
ABC Study: Bay area fish high in mercury levels
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- 7 On Your Side has found a disturbing problem at Bay Area fish markets. Some of what you buy may contain a toxin in levels above federal safety limits. A Bay Area environmental group purchased swordfish and tuna from Bay Area markets. Ten out of 24 contained high levels of mercury. GotMercury had its fish tested at a state certified lab in Emeryville, Micro Analytical Systems. The lab put pieces of fish the size of a rice grain into its mercury analyzer. Follow the link to watch the story. Copyright ABC Inc, 2010.
Marine Stewardship Council Loses Its Luster
Long regarded as the gold-standard for eco-certification of sustainable fisheries around the world, the London-based Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has begun to lose some of its glitter, in the eyes of many of the scientists and environmentalists that met in Paris at the Seafood Choice's Alliance's annual Seafood Summit. Copyright 1995 - 2010 FIS Information & Services.
Americans eat a lot of tuna. Known as the blue bullion of the sea, tuna represents big money. If you've been craving a tuna sandwich or tuna sushi or steak, and you have a green or health conscious, you probably wonder how to make a wise choice about tuna. Copyright 2009 Clarity Digital Group LLC.
Export Packers and Safe Harbor partner!
Export Packers Co. Ltd. on Monday announced it obtained exclusive rights in Canada to supply seafood under the Safe Harbor mercury-testing program. Implemented due to concerns over mercury in seafood and a lack of industry-wide testing, Export Packers can now provide the Canadian seafood industry with product tested to ensure that its mercury levels are significantly below the food-safety standards set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Copyright Seafoodsource.com, 2010.
UNLV Study: Mercury in Canned Tuna High
More than half of canned tuna samples from a local grocery store failed to meet the strict Environmental Protection Agency safety level for mercury in fish, according to a new study by University of Nevada, Las Vegas researchers. The study also found that 5 percent of the more than 300 samples exceeded the guideline set for consumers by the Food and Drug Administration. Copyright Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2010.
The Dr. Oz Show--Three Dangerous Food Toxins
Eating fish seems like one of the healthiest food choices you can make; fish is low in fat and high in protein and brain-supporting Omega-3 fatty acids. Unfortunately their homes – our oceans, seas, and lakes – are filled with pollutants. One of the most potent is methylmercury, which once absorbed by algae sets off a chain of toxic accumulation: small fish eat the algae, bigger fish eat the smaller fish and so on up the food chain until these mercury-packed fish find their way to your supermarket. Copyright Zoco 1 LLC, January 2010.
Beyond Organic - How Evolving Consumer Concerns Influence Food Purchases
The Context Marketing survey that reveals how consumer concerns over various food safety issues influences their food purchasing decisions. Of particular note is the fact that mercury in seafood is the top consumer food safety concerns according to the respondent population. Copyright Context Marketing, October 2009.
Press Release--Mercury in Seafood is #1 Consumer Food Safety Concern
A recent study conducted by San Francisco-based Context Marketing shows the the number one food safety concern on consumers' minds is mercury in seafood. Copyright MSR Communications, November 2009.
Air Pollutants Trasported from Asia
Pollutant plumes observed in the United States can be attributed unambiguously to Asian sources based on meteorological and chemical analysis, researchers say. Copyright United Press International Inc, October 2009.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has blasted the FDA's analysis of the benefits and risks of fish consumption. Copyright NaturalNews.com, September 2009.
Review shows government rarely intervenes as Calif. mercury mines pollute water and fish
Abandoned mercury mines throughout central California's rugged coastal mountains are polluting the state's major waterways, rendering fish unsafe to eat and risking the health of at least 100,000 impoverished people. Copyright Taragana August, 2009.
Mercury In Fish: Hold The Sushi!
After the release of a new government study that documents the prevalence of mercury in freshwater fish, American consumers are aware that all fish are not equal, or at least not equally good to consume. Copyright The Economist, August 2009.
Blood Mercury Levels Rising In U.S. Women
A study involving more than 6,000 American women suggests that blood levels of mercury are accumulating over time, with a big rise noted over the past decade. Copyright World Now and Sarkes Tarzian, Inc., August 2009.
Dangerous Mercury In Some Fish
Diane Sawyer speaks on mercury in fish, the newest USGS study and the potential dangers of consuming mercury in fish. Copyright ABC News, August 2009.
American River Fish Contaminated with Mercury!
A federal agency has issued an alarming report that mercury contamination in fish has become widespread across the country, including Northern California. Copyright KGO-TV San Francisco, August 2009.
Two studies show extent of mercury in environment and how it becomes toxic
A new study from the federal government released this week reveals how pervasive mercury is in our environment, while a new study from chemists at Duke University explains how that mercury becomes toxic to us. Copyright The Oregonian, August 2009.
Purdue University introduces a new website providing fish consumption recommendations and advisory information for all 50 states. Copyright Purdue University, August 2009.
Center for Consumer Freedom Serves Up Some Fishy Calculations
Rick Berman's Center For Consumer Freedom recently launched its Howmuchfish.com website that touts the benefits of consuming seafood while discrediting concerns about the negative consequences of seafood consumption, distorting EPA calculations and ignoring the potential hazards of consuming mercury contaminated seafood products. Copyright Food & Water Watch, August 2009.
SeafoodSource Q & A: Mal Wittenberg, Micro Analytical Systems, Inc.
When it comes to the mercury-in-fish debate, opinions differ vastly. But just about everyone agrees that the mercury-in-fish debate is not dissipating anytime soon. At the forefront of the issue is Mal Wittenberg, CEO of Micro Analytical Systems (MASI) in San Rafael, California. Copyright Seafood Source, July 2009.
Summer Edition of the Safe Harbor News!
The Summer 2009 installment of the Safe Harbor News outlining our activities at home and abroad, including our partnerships with The Fish Market, the Dolce Restaurant Group, various local bay area retailers and our recent Italian Sanitary Authority certification. Copyright Micro Analytical Systems, Inc/Safe Harbor, July 2009.
Superfish - A Warning To Seafood Lovers (PBS)
Seafood lovers take note--high concentrations of mercury, a neurotoxin that can damage developing brains in fetuses, is found in some level in all fish and higher levels in some popular fish such as albacore tuna. Copyright Educational Broadcasting Corporation/PBS, January 2009.
Safe Harbor Helps Hollywood Say Bye-Bye to Mercury Fears In Fish
The ultra-posh restaurant group Dolce partners with Safe Harbor Certified Seafood to merge mercury-tested seafood with fine-dining and glamorous atmospheres. Copyright Yahoo, July 2009.
Is Your Fish High in Mercury? Safe Harbor Knows
Mal Wittenberg, CEO and President of Safe Harbor Certified seafood, talks about mercury in fish, the Safe Harbor Certification process and Safe Harbor's modest beginnings. Copyright Blue Planet Green Living, August 2009.
Welcome to the 3rd edition of The Safe Harbor News
The third edition of The Safe Harbor News goes more in depth on our operations domestically and abroad. Safe Harbor Certified seafood coming soon to a grocery store near you. Copyright Safe Harbor/Micro Analytical Systems, Inc, May 2009.
Got Mercury? The Politics of Contaminated Fish
Mal Wittenberg, owner and President of MASI/Safe Harbor Certified Seafood talks about mercury in fish, lobbying efforts by the NFI, the FDA's mercury policy and Safe Harbor's strides to safeguard the public from the potential dangers of consuming mercury laden fish. Copyright Green Options Media/The Inspired Economist, April 2009.
Safe Harbor: Testing Fish For Mercury, Coming To a Grocer Near You
Non-Toxic Kids reports on the origins of Safe Harbor Certified Seafood, Safe Harbor's certification standards and the increasingly important topic of mercury in fish. Copyright Non-Toxic Kids, April 2009.
What Pregnant Moms and Parents Need To Know About Mercury In Fish
SAFbaby.com interviews Safe Harbor about the dangers of consuming mercury laden fish, the Safe Harbor testing program and the issue of mercury in fish in "What Pregnant Moms and Parents Need to Know About Fish and Mercury". Copyright safbaby.com, April 2009.
Mercury Levels In Fish Are Higher Than You Think
The San Francisco Examiner highlights the findings Safe Harbor/MASI has found with over 160,000 tests - unfortunately mercury levels in fish are higher than you think. Copyright Examiner, March 2009.
A Little Bit of Mercury Won't Hurt - will It?
Foodandwaterwatch.com reports on the current state of the FDA's mercury policy. Surprise, its not as stringent it should be. Copyright Food & Water Watch, March 2009.
Fish and Mercury: Recipe for Disaster?
KTLA conducts an investigative report on mercury in fish in local restaurants and grocery stores. MASI tests the samples collected by KTLA with startling results that may surprise you. Copyright KTLA TV, March 2009.
Dr. Hightower speaks on Mercury toxicity on NPR
Dr. Jane Hightower speaks on NPR's Forum about mercury toxicity in fish and lack of FDA mercury testing and lax mercury exposure standards. Copyright KQED Radio, February 2009.
Nations to Write Treaty Cutting Mercury Emissions
More than 140 countries have agreed to negotiate a legally-binding treaty cutting mercury use, with the goal of limiting global exposure. Copyright Washington Post, February 2009.
Study: Women living in mercury's shadow
Where you live could dictate your level of mercury exposure! Mid-westerners are better off, but the more money you make and the closer you live to the ocean might mean higher levels of the toxic metal. Copyright Chicago Tribune, August 2008.
3rd Circuit Revives Mercury-in-Tuna Class Action
The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals revives mercury-in-tuna litigation against Chicken-of-the-Sea. Copyright Incisive Media, August 2008.
Interview with Dr. Jane Hightower: My Patients and Mercury
Dr. Jane Hightower speaks about her year long study of her patients with elevated blood mercury levels. Copyright National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), June 2003.
The Winnipeg Free Press provides further indicators that our waters are contaminated with mercury, and it has made its way into the fish we eat. Copyright Winnipeg Free Press, August 2008.
Lobbyists Hide Behind Non-Profit Fronts
The "non-biased, non-profit" consumer advocacy group the Center for Consumer Freedom is investigated and de-bunked as an industry funded corporate agenda front group. Copyright ABC 7 News, May 2006.
Boston Med Center: Beware of Mercury Levels in Fish!
Boston Medical Center warns consumers about adverse health effects due to consuming mercury-contaminated fish. Copyright Boston University, June 2008.
For little ones, it's anything but brain food
A new study reveals high mercury levels in fish can be detrimental to childrens' developing brains. Copyright Sydney Morning Herald, January 2008.
Safe Harbor Testing in Washington
Washington customers respond to the new Safe Harbor program offered at Top Food & Drug and Haggen's Markets. Copyright KIMA TV, May 2008.
CNBC - Fresh Fish Sparks Technology
Concerns over mercury levels in fish sparks Micro Analytical Systems Inc to develop "One Good Idea". Worldwide coverage of MASI's fish testing operation in Southern California at American Fish LA. Copyright CNBC, March 2008.
CBS 5- Part 3 of "Is Bay Area Fish Safe?"
CBS 5- Part 3 of "Is Bay Area Fish Safe?" Sue Kwon takes a blood test to determine the mercury levels in her body after learning about high mercury levels in fish sold at local retailers and restaurants. Copyright CBS 5 News, March 2008.
CBS 5 - Part 2 -of ConsumerWatch: "Is Bay Area Fish Safe?"
(CBS 5) For the first time ever, there is a mercury test that can measure the concentration of mercury in piece of fish in a matter of seconds, before it hits the dinner table. CBS5 ConsumerWatch collected about 50 fish samples from throughout the Bay Area and has Micro Analytical Systems, Inc test the fish on camera with instant results. Copyright CBS 5 News, 2008.
SAFE HARBOR WINTER NEWSLETTER - See what MASI has been up to!
The 2008 Winter edition of the Safe Harbor News, detailing our testing activities at home and abroad.
ABC News 11 outlines the mercury in seafood issue and the potential health hazards of eating mercury contaminated predatory fish. Copyright ABC NEWS 11, February 2008.
Holiday Quality Foods is reeling customers back to the seafood case with low-mercury selections
Copyright Progressive Grocer, 2007
A Hook for Landing Mercury-Wary Eaters
When shoppers browse the seafood counters at Holiday Quality Foods' 19 grocery stores in rural Northern California today, they will find a new Safe Harbor brand, the nation's first line of low-mercury fresh fish. Copyright Los Angeles Times, 2006
Micro Analytical Systems last month introduced new equipment that would allow processors and wholesalers to measure the level of methylmercury in fish. Copyright Seafood Business, 2005