On Mercury, Tuna and the CCF
Did you see this Today Show segment on mercury in tuna? I bring it to you for one reason: So you you can put a face to (part of) the misinformation campaign. David Martosko of the Center for Consumer Freedom is interviewed and of course says what you’d expect.
I’m not sure why the producers of Today thought a group that lobbies for the meat industry would be a good source for the story.
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Heat doesn't "seem" to affect the levels of mercury? Rather, why would anyone with basic science knowledge assume that it possibly could (they claim that she is a doctor). The temperatures involved in "thorough cooking" simply are not going to alter mineral levels (unless you render some of the food inedible by burning it). It all comes down to the law of conservation of mass.
Clearly the question stems from the idea of "thoroughly cooking" chicken and cow muscles in an effort to kill bacteria (note that they are only killed, their mass does not disappear). We also know (this one vegans can actually appreciate) that heat can affect enzymes and anti-oxidants within food. So it is a reasonable question, in that some people might wonder if that would be a potential solution. Of course the far more pertinent and underlying question, is why are people killing tuna in the first place… when it would be impossible (for anyone I am aware of) to honestly justify it as being necessary. Really I am just sort of dissatisfied by the wording of her response, from the perspective of basic chemistry.
Oh, and Mary, I am working on a pamphlet of my own. But not because I am unhappy with yours. Well actually, my goal is limiting the length to two pages, so it can simply be the front and back of one sheet.
Nathan,
THANK YOU SO MUCH for creating a short pamphlet. There's clearly a need for it. Good luck!
Thank you for posting this!!
We need to strike back against these corporate-front attack groups. Anytime someone brings up the Center for Consumer Freedom or any of their various websites, I explain the true motives of the CCF and direct them to visit http://www.consumerdeception.com/ for more information. We cannot let these PR groups destroy our movement.