Agency's oily fish advice remains unchanged

Wednesday 29 March 2006

The Agency continues to advise that people should eat at least two portions of fish per week, including one of oily fish, which is rich in omega 3.

Reports in the press last week of new findings by Dr Lee Hooper and team from the University of East Anglia on the effects of omega 3 said there was no evidence of a 'clear benefit' from omega 3 fatty acids.

Dr Hooper's findings are based on analysis of existing research and do not raise any new issues.

The FSA's oily fish advice is based on the 'Advice on fish consumption: benefits and risks' report produced in 2004 by a group of experts drawn from two independent scientific committees that advise the Agency.

These are the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) and the Committee on Toxicity (COT). SACN and COT considered the balance of risks and benefits of eating oily fish.

The main studies reviewed by Dr Hooper were taken into account by the SACN/COT expert group in its 2004 report. Therefore the Agency's advice on eating fish and the conclusion of the SACN/COT expert group is not changed by this new review.

Fish is an excellent source of protein and it contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as selenium and iodine. Oily fish, as well as being rich in omega 3 fatty acids, is also a good source of vitamins A and D.