Moderation

If we were not already confused about the foods that medical experts believe pose health risks, yesterday's announcement from the Food Standards Agency about oily fish should do the trick. Until now the official guidance has been that everyone should eat fish such as salmon, mackerel or fresh tuna at least twice a week to guard against heart disease. Now it seems we must not exceed these levels. Except for boys, men and older women, who may eat oily fish four times a week with impunity. But pregnant women should avoid tuna. Everything in moderation might have been a more effective guideline.

If we were not already confused about the foods that medical experts believe pose health risks, yesterday's announcement from the Food Standards Agency about oily fish should do the trick. Until now the official guidance has been that everyone should eat fish such as salmon, mackerel or fresh tuna at least twice a week to guard against heart disease. Now it seems we must not exceed these levels. Except for boys, men and older women, who may eat oily fish four times a week with impunity. But pregnant women should avoid tuna. Everything in moderation might have been a more effective guideline.