Seafood Litigation

Attorney General Sues Over Mercury in Seafood

On January 17, 2003 the California Attorney General filed a Proposition 65 enforcement action against several retailers over exposure to mercury in fish. People ex rel. Lockyer v. Safeway, Inc., The Kroger Company, Albertson's Inc., Trader Joe's Company, Whole Foods Market, Inc., Whole Foods Market California, Inc., San Francisco Superior Court no. CGC-03-416484. Download the complaint [pdf].

According to the AG's press release, the lawsuit was "not intended to discourage people from eating fish, but to ensure people make informed decisions about what they are eating.

"Generally, fish are an important source of protein and play a prominent role in many Californians' diet," said Lockyer. "But consumers deserve to know when they are being exposed to chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects and reproductive harm. Public health agencies have advised pregnant women not to eat swordfish and shark because those fish contain relatively high levels of mercury."

Sources within the AG’s office have revealed that this is not a case in which the AG is looking for some non-warning exposure level, but rather is insistent that there be a warning in every grocery store in California. His staff is developing a proposed warning sign that will include health information on mercury in seafood, similar to the facts included in the press release.

Following the AG's filing, As You Sow and The Sea Turtle Restoration Project

This page last updated Monday, February 24, 2003