California: yummmm fish & acrylamide

This is my first trip to California in 6+ years ... I was last here with Joss when she was 4+ months pregnant with Billy ... I'd forgotten just how mad they are with caveats!

Joss was 'showing' when we were here ... none-the-less she still zipped down the Squaw Valley ski slopes and relaxed with a glass of cold Chardonnay afterwards. Both activities resulted in much eyebrow raising from the mineral-water-consuming local Fornians (mini bar price ... 3 pounds for a small battle of water BTW!).

So no surprise then to read this caveat on top of my in-room dining menu ... enough to force you to a diet of water!

WARNING: Chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm are present in food and beverages served here.

Foods such as French Fries and potato chips cooked in oil at high temperatures can produce Proposition 65-listed chemicals such as acrylamide, which is known by the State to cause cancer. Broiling, grilling and barbecuing fish and meats can also cause Proposition 65-listed chemicals such as benzo-a-pyrene, which is known by the State to cause cancer. Nearly all fish and seafood contain some amount of mercury and related compounds, which are known by the State to cause cancer. Certain fish contain higher levels than others. Pregnant and nursing women, women who may become preganant and young children should NOT eat swordfish, shark, mackerel or other tilefish. They also should limit their consumption of other fish including tuna. Additionally, leaded crystal in which beverages are served contains lead, which is known by the State to cause cancer.

Finally, recently-boiled water in the kettle is hot and is known by the state to cause blisters.

M