Why does the FDA recommend a limit for methylmercury consumption?

The FDA is conservative in protecting the health of American consumers. As such, it has set consumption advice at the1 ppm level, which is the limit allowed by the FDA for fish intended for human consumption. The level is purposely set 10 times lower than the lowest level associated with health problems (specifically mercury poisoning). This conservative level allows for the greater protection of everyone - adults, children and even unborn babies.