Public Health Advisories on Mercury in Fish and a Product Recall

Two public health advisories have been issued by the Ministry of Health in respect to the detection of mercury in fish and the recall of a Del Monte canned product. M.O.H., in collaboration with the Department of Environment and the Belize Electric Company Limited, has completed another assessment of mercury levels in fishes from the New, Macal, Mopan and Belize Rivers as well as Big Falls. In this test, twenty-two fish species were taken from thirteen locations and the analysis indicated that all fish had levels of mercury under the recommended safety level with the highest level found in the Baca fish. According to the release, this is the first time the results had fallen below the recommended safe level; however, the ministry cautions consumers that the fish are not totally free of mercury.

The Belize Agriculture Health Authority and the Belize Bureau of Standards have also been advised on the recall of Del Monte’s Fiesta Corn Seasoned with Red and Green Peppers. Although Del Monte Foods Inc. has not been notified of any reports of illness associated with the product, the company says that over sixty-two thousand cases of that particular can food is being recalled due to under-processing which could lead to life-threatening illness if consumed.