Thanks to a recent government law known as Country of Origin Labeling (COOL), you can now trust the say-so of your local supermarket’s seafood section. Grocers are now required to label the country of origin and source of fish products. For instance, did that salmon come from Chile or Oregon? Was it farm-raised or wild?

Originally published in Body Sense magazine, August/Winter 2005. Copyright 2005. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.

One significant downside to the new law is that butcher shops, fish markets, restaurants, and delis are exempt from the new regulations. Consumers can only hope that this labeling is so popular with the public that those exempt will feel obligated to comply with COOL in order to compete with supermarkets.

While we wait for such uniformity, there is still a way for the savvy consumer to better understand seafood. Sponsored by the Environmental Defense Network, www.oceansalive.org features lists of the best and worst environmental seafood choices, recommended brands of fish oil supplements, information about toxins and contaminants, recipes, and fishing tips. Bon appetite!