What would you say if I told you that 22% of the fish Consumer Reports tested were mislabeled? And it’s not only Consumer Reports that has studied the problem of fraudulent fish in the seafood industry. University of Washington - Tacoma researchers reported that more than 38% of restaurant samples they tested were farm-raised or a cheaper fish substitution -- diners ordered red snapper but were served ocean perch. The bait and switch doesn’t end there. Sole is frequently being switched for farm-raised Sutchi catfish from Vietnam where the seafood industry uses drugs not approved in the U.S. and grouper is being switched for tilefish that’s been known to contain dangerously high levels mercury. In Minnesota, that walleye dinner you enjoyed last weekend might actually have been a zander dinner. According to ABC News correspondent Elizabeth Leamy, “a third of seafood sold in the U.S. is mislabeled as one type when it's actually something else, even something cheaper.”
Sushi lovers . . . you need to be extra careful. Escolar, a succulent white fish known to cause stomach cramps, vomiting and anal leakage was substituted for “white tuna” in a 100% of the samples collected in a Boston Globe investigation. It’s difficult to distinguish between real fish and fake fish. It’s so difficult that even some experts cannot detect the difference without the aid of DNA testing. Americans spend 80 billion dollars a year on fish and 84% of that fish comes from overseas. Today only 2% of the fish sold in the U.S. is screened and less than .001% is tested for fraud. With any luck FDA officials with make good on their promise to do more to police against fake fish. Until then buyer beware. Never buy cheap fish, buy only from a reputable market and buy the whole fish when possible. What has this world come to when the only way to be sure what’s for dinner is to test the DNA of the food on your plate?
Today we know far more about breast cancer than we did because of research funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Over the past 30 years Komen has invested approximately $2 billion dollars for research, advocacy, education and support services for women. No matter your stance on Planned Parenthood funding I hope you continue to support Susan G. Komen for a Cure. Women in the U. S. and around the world have benefited from the work of this organization. I am one of those women . . . you are too.
Make the time to be good to you by locking lips with your valentine. A serious French kissing session stimulates the production of saliva and washes away bacteria helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Chewing sugar-free gum works too but it’s not as much fun.
Happy Valentine’s Day & Good Health!
Terry
"A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous."
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