As though having to worry about the high mercury levels in certain fish was not already bad enough, it has recently come to light that a growing number of fish contain unacceptable levels of radiation as a result of the Fukushima nuclear reactor meltdown in Japan in March 2011.

Increased radioactivity levels have been detected in fish caught as far away as Australia.

And now there are reports that a growing percentage of the seafood we eat is coming from China — and it may be severely contaminated.

According to a source knowledgeable about Chinese farm-raised seafood, tilapia is being raised in ponds heavily contaminated with raw sewage, and the processing plants are so filthy that workers have to wear masks to keep from gagging.

The final product is then treated with food coloring and other chemicals to disguise the spoiled meat.

The processing plants are not inspected before the final product is packaged and shipped to the United States.

In fact, no one can know for certain how many restaurants are serving this fouled seafood, which can be doctored with spices, cream sauces, and other flavorings to disguise its true state.

It is a good idea to insist on locally raised seafood (though not from the Gulf of Mexico) not only at the supermarket, but also from your favorite restaurant.

Other foods from China should also be passed over.