Company Provides Needed Nutrients Through Healthy Seafood in Pouches

SAN DIEGO – July 23, 2008 – As the rise in food costs forces some people to shy away from nutritious options like seafood, Chicken of the Sea International is introducing a cost-effective solution to help get the recommended two servings of fish each week.

Healthy Selections tuna pouches – the newest addition to Chicken of the Sea’s line of convenient, shelf-stable seafood – are an excellent source of much-needed nutrients, such as heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein and vitamin D, and when eaten regularly can help improve overall health. 

Health benefits associated with Healthy Selections include improved memory retention, support of healthy joints and promotion of healthy lungs, skin, muscles and eyes.  What is more, because seafood is low in saturated fat and calories, it can help cut down on the risks associated with obesity, diabetes and heart disease.  

The pouches, which come in 3- and 7.1-ounce options, are available in pre-drained albacore white tuna and light tuna varieties and boast only 60 calories per serving. Suggested retail price for light tuna is 99 cents to $1.09 for 3-ounce pouches and $1.89 to $1.99 for 7.1-ounce pouches, while suggested retail price for albacore white tuna is $1.49 to $1.59 for 3-ounce pouches and $2.59 to $2.79 for 7.1-ounce pouches.  The affordability of Healthy Selections makes it an easy way for people to eat healthy, while watching their pocketbooks.

In April 2008, nationwide food costs made their biggest price increase in 18 years, with the U.S. Labor Department predicting food prices to continue to rise at a rate of 6.3 percent.  This increase in cost has affected many people’s purchase decisions, causing consumers to cut corners when grocery shopping and opt for cheaper, and sometimes less healthy, options.

 “As a variety of factors such as rising gas and food prices continue to send consumers looking for ways to save, it is important people do not choose unhealthy choices, but instead opt for healthful and affordable options,” said registered dietician Sharon McNerney.  “Healthy Selections is a great choice for all consumers, as it is helps meet their nutritional needs and costs less than fresh fish and other protein sources.”

Health experts such as the American Heart Association, American Medical Association, American Diabetes Association and USDA all recommend eating seafood twice a week to help improve health. 

To learn more about Healthy Selections, please visit www.chickenofthesea.com.  Those interested in finding out more about the health benefits of fish, including the advantages of the eating fish twice a week, should visit www.TwiceAWeekForBetterHealth.com.

A seafood category leader, Chicken of the Sea provides a variety of shelf-stable seafood products, including tuna, salmon, crab, shrimp, oysters, clams, mackerel and sardines.  The Chicken of the Sea brand and famous Mermaid icon are among the most recognized brands in America.