From: RJChiodi@aol.com Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2001 1:32 AM To: Schwetz, Bernard Subject: Methylmercury Contamination of Fish, FDA Docket No. OOP-1411/CP 1 Bernard A. Schwetz Food and Drug Administration 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857 Dear Bernard A. Schwetz, It has come to my attention that the FDA is not acting in a timely and effective manner to prevent birth defects and neurological disorders in children due to the current inadequate control of methylmercury contamination in US sea food sources, including higher order predatory fish such as sail fish, tuna, sword fish, and fish derivatives, such as over-the-counter fish oil concentrates taken daily by millions of consumers as a preventative measure against vascular diseases such as heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular diseases, including leg cramps and impotence. According to the National Academy of Sciences, each year more than 60,000 children are born at risk for neurological problems due to exposure to low-level methylmercury from seafood eaten by their mothers. As health scientists, you and I both know that this condition is totally unacceptable. Therefore, I ask that you please take immediate action to protect America's children and the general consumer population from methylmecury poisoning caused by contaminated fish and fish derivatives. Consumers have become aware that fish and fish derivative products such as marine lipid concentrates (fish oils) can be important in a healthy diet. But that is only true if the fish doesn't contain chemical hazards. You need to act now to tighten FDA's allowable exposure level so it is consistent with the standard that the EPA and National Academy of Sciences recommend. Then you need to increase the agency's monitoring and remove seafood from the market that violates this new, tougher standard. Therefore, I support the petition by the Center for Science in the Public Interest to take these steps, and urge you to approve the petition, thereby providing relief from this insidious poisoning of unsuspecting consumers and the unborn. In addition, The FDA also should expand its toxic hazard advisory to pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, and nursing mothers advising them to avoid eating all types of methylmercury contaminated fish and fish derivatives. The FDA can publicize the risk best by requiring clear warning labels on packages and in stores. FDA's weak advice to date is woefully inadequate. This is not a concern that requires any further study or delay. Contamination of sea food and sea food derivative products with methylmecury through the process of bioaccumulation is a well known, very credible, proven, and validated mechanism which presents a very real threat to the health of US consumers, especially to unborn children. Please act quickly and responsibly to abate this threat in accordance with your current charter. Sincerely, Ronald Chiodi 38 Brookside Drive Fairport, New York 14450