New Consumption Guidelines Issued For San Francisco Bay Fish

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) -- New safety guidelines have been issued for eating fish caught in San Francisco Bay, the first such update in 17 years.

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment is cautioning children and women of childbearing age to steer clear of eating perch, white sturgeon, shark or striped bass caught in the bay.

The fish contain unsafe levels of mercury and PCBs, toxins dangerous to human health, especially for children and pregnant women.

There was good news for striped bass lovers: people 45 and older can safely consume two servings per week. Previous warnings allowed only two servings per month.

The guidelines also warn against eating fish caught in the Lauritzen Channel in Richmond's inner harbor because of very high levels of DDT, a pesticide now banned in the U.S.

>> Full Report: Guide To Eating San Francisco Bay Fish & Shellfish

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