What classification do the FDA and EPA assign to King Mackerel regarding consumption?
Answer
Choice to Avoid
King Mackerel is consistently placed at the highest risk category by major health authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This designation, 'Choice to Avoid,' is based on the species' typically high levels of accumulated mercury contamination. Consequently, the official guidance for vulnerable populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children, is a complete avoidance of this specific fish. This places it in the same advisory group as other large, high-level contaminants like shark and swordfish.
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