American canned tuna company Bumble Bee Seafoods has announced a new partnership with a New York nutrition consulting firm to promote proposed new dietary advice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding seafood consumption, particularly tuna.
Bumble Bee, based in the United States but owned by U.K.-based Lion Capital, is partnering with C&J Nutrition to help educate the consumer about proposed new guidelines that pregnant or breastfeeding women may and should eat at least 8 to 12 ounces, or 2 to 3 servings of fish per week.
“There has been so much confusion about seafood over the last ten years but we’ve seen an enormous amount of research showing the importance of fish in the diet, especially for new and expectant mothers,” said Dave Melbourne, Bumble Bee senior VP, consumer marketing and corporate social responsibility. “We’re thrilled to be starting these conversations with women to help them feel informed and confident about including more seafood in the meals they’re eating and serving their families.”
Activists have criticized the proposed FDA recommendations, saying they increase the danger of mercury toxicity, but FDA research indicates it is safe for women to eat many times the proposed recommended amount of tuna.
“Seafood consumption is at an all-time low and, as a dietitian and new mother, I understand the responsibility parents have to provide their children with the best nutrition for healthy growth and development,” said Stephanie Clarke, a consultant with C&J. “We are so excited to partner with Bumble Bee to help teach parents about the benefits of seafood and provide simple, delicious ways to incorporate a variety of fish into families’ diets.”
