© Norwegian Seafood Council
The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) has found no breaches of EU limits for illegal or undesirable substances in farmed fish, according to its latest annual monitoring report. Tests on 888 fish in 2024 produced more than 30,000 results, all confirming the seafood’s safety.
“We’re delighted to see that once again, tests done on Norwegian farmed fish shows no sign of exceeding limits on harmful substances or pollutants. This shows that Norway’s rigorous monitoring scheme give consumers globally the confidence to eat farmed Norwegian fish that has a clean bill of health,” said Martin Skaug, director of communications at the Norwegian Seafood Council, in a press release.
How the monitoring works
The annual monitoring programme, required under Norwegian law and EU regulations, involves the Norwegian Food Safety Authority collecting samples which are then analysed by IMR. While the focus is mainly on farmed salmon, other species such as rainbow trout, halibut and cod are also tested. Samples are taken both from fish farms, covering all life stages, and from slaughterhouses to represent fish ready for market. The monitoring looks for illegal substances, veterinary medicines, environmental pollutants and, in the case of smoked fish, PAH residues from the smoking process.
“The annual monitoring and reporting process plays a crucial role in the Norwegian management and regulation of aquaculture, ensuring that the industry complies with legal requirements. It is also essential to gather information on how environmental factors may affect the fish,” added Skaug.
Monitoring illegal substances, medicines and environmental pollutants
No residues of illegal drugs were detected in the newest monitoring. Researchers tested for unauthorised drugs and substances with anabolic effects, such as growth hormones.
Samples tested for approved veterinary medicines and environmental pollutants were collected at slaughterhouses. According to the IMR, veterinary medicines, such as antibiotics or drugs used against internal parasites, were not found in the samples. Residues of some lice treatments were found, but all were below the limit values. No environmental pollutants such as PFAS, dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs, mercury, lead or cadmium were found above the EU's limit value in any of the samples.
Analysing new types of contaminants
In 2024, several new substances were included in the monitoring. These are chemical compounds referred to as "contaminants of emerging concern”. Though some of these contaminants were found in some samples, there is not enough information on these new substances to prove they might be harmful. There is need for more data to assess whether there is any health risk associated with them.
“Including new types of contaminants in the tests shows how the IMR works on the monitoring of farmed fish, and how it’s based on precautionary principles, trying to assess risks as early as possible. This is an important part of the scientific approach of the annual monitoring, always trying to stay ahead of potential risks that might emerge,” explained Skaug.
The new substances detected will continue to be monitored, according to IMR. The data will be submitted to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
