Grocers asked to post mercury level warnings

Wild Oats is currently the only grocery store in the state that posts EPA warnings about the harmful levels of mercury contained in some fish — and a pair of environmental groups wants that to change.

The groups, Oceana and Great Salt Lakekeeper, launched a campaign Tuesday to urge local grocers to begin posting the warnings in their seafood sections.

The EPA warnings states that some fish contain unhealthy amounts of mercury, which may cause cancer, heart problems, birth defects and neurological problems. It particularly warns that young children and women who are pregnant or of childbearing age should avoid eating large amounts of fish.

Risky types of fish include swordfish, shark, tilefish, king mackrel and tuna in large amounts.

"Consumers have a right to know about harmful chemicals that may be in the products they choose to purchase," said Jeff Salt, executive director of Great Salt Lakekeeper. "We hope that other grocers in our community will follow the example set by Wild Oats."

Jennifer Russell-Fenus, a member of the group, said that while mercury is in all fish, it has recently been discovered to have particularly high levels in the fish of some areas — including some Utah Lakes and streams.

She said it is scientifically unclear whether this high amount of mercury in some fish was always present or increased over past few years, but said that pollution from mining and coal burning power plants is likely responsible for high levels of the toxin.

Russell-Fenus said that the best way to combat the problem is to encourage cleaner practices for coal power plants and mines and educate consumers about the dangers of mercury consumption. She said that putting up warning labels in supermarkets will not solve the problem, but it is a step in the right direction.

"Not everybody is going to read them, but it's a start," she said.

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E-mail: dgardiner@desnews.com