FDA: Ban the Toxic Fake Tuna

  • by: Jaime M
  • recipient: Food and Drug Administration

Do you know what you are putting in your mouth? According to a recent study, you probably don’t. A few years ago a nonprofit ocean conservation group revealed that many of the fish we commonly purchase at supermarkets and restaurants are mislabeled.

One of the biggest shocks was the fact that 84% of “white tuna” tested in the US was actually a completely different fish. First of all, white tuna doesn’t exist. It’s not a breed , but a blanket name, and unless it’s albacore then it’s not even tuna!

What most people are being sold is escolar, also known as the “ex-lax fish”. That’s because the fish is actually toxic if you eat too much. Just six ounces can cause diarrhea or worse.

Escolar has been banned in Japan since 1977 because of health concerns and for a brief time the FDA suggested not to sell the fish in the US. But they have since rescinded the warning.   

Supermarkets and restaurants are playing fast and loose with our health and our wallets. The American public deserves to know what they're eating. Especially if it could make you spend a few hours in the restroom!

Tell the FDA to ban the sale of escolar and let’s keep this toxic fish off our tables.

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