Benefit-risk considerations of traditional food use by the Sahtu (Hare) Dene/Metis of Fort Good Hope, N.W.T

Abstract

In summary, based on these preliminary data: a) traditional Dene foods make a substantial contribution to the adult RNI for protein, iron, and zinc; b) the Dene component of the diet is lower in total fat and has a higher P:S ratio than does the marketed component; and c) adults consuming a variety of Dene foods at the current average level of consumption during high traditional food use periods are not at risk of exceeding the provisional tolerable daily intake for PCBs. In conclusion, however unattainable "zero-risk" in food is, the fact remains that striving towards it is an important goal socially, physiologically, and ecologically. Managing risk on both global and individual levels is necessary.