Letter: Falling dioxins in cod liver oil
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: You published material taken from a press announcement issued by Friends of the Earth (report, 16 June), giving credibility to damaging claims about cod liver oil.
Last month the Government's Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment published a review of the levels of toxins in food, breast milk and fish oils. It reported that, in common with all other foods, fish oils contain a level of contamination. However, it was noted that overall levels of PCBs and dioxins in foods, human breast milk and fish oils are falling. The daily intake from human breast milk can be up to 15 times that from cod liver oil.
At the time of publication, Sir Kenneth Calman, Chief Medical Officer, confirmed that the levels in fish oils "are very unlikely to pose a risk to the health of breast-fed infants, toddlers, schoolchildren or adults".
TOM HARDMAN
Director, Seven Seas Ltd
Hull
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments