I recently learned I’m allergic to fish, shrimp, crab - but ONLY if it’s from a foreign country. I break out in head to toe hives and have severe respiratory problems. Seems that foreign fish is mostly from developing third world countries. Investigations show that the fish is raised in sewage, given massive antibiotics (to which I’m allergic) and often contains cancer causing drugs or toxins.

The homeless have little choice about what they can eat - and the rule is generally, “Don’t pass up a meal,” meaning, eat whatever you can, when you can. I did. Even if I wasn’t hungry I would eat if I didn’t know where my next meal was coming from - or knew it would be peanut butter rather than burgers, steak or chicken. So it disturbs me greatly to see that the poor, who already have more health problems and concerns, have one more thing to worry about - what’s in their fish. Like most people trying to lose weight, eat healthier and more cheaply - fish is the best way to go - or was. I could buy a package of 6 to 8 frozen salmon or talipia fillets at Walmart or similar discount stores for about $2.50 to $3. But now I can’t. Even if I wanted to my body is rejecting the fish if it is from a foreign country.

Home grown/raised shrimp from the USA or wild caught fish off US coastlines doesn’t bother me. So what’s happening? I thought I was imagining things. Then I saw this:

Think before ordering fish next time you’re out to dinner and check your labels carefully when you buy it. Most fish in rivers and streams is often a food source for the homeless or poor. Many hunters actually DO hunt to put food on the table. A weekend of fishing can feed a family for weeks. But toxins in rivers make fish caught there harmful as well. What’s left? Not much.