March 23, 2010
Pharmaceutical use poses no threat to fish farming
A surveillance by the National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES) in 2009 did not reveal residues of illegally used pharmaceuticals, or residues of legally used substances above the set limits in farmed fishes.
Pharmaceutical use against bacteria infections was slightly increased compared to last year, whereas the use for fungal infections and internal parasites had fallen.
There was a rise in the use of delousing agents, of which azametifos, diflubenzuron and teflubenzuron were used in largest amounts. All substances are approved for use in farming, including hydrogen peroxide, which is used to remove louse from fish.
From the study, around 9,000 fish samples were analysed for a variety of different substances. A total of 725 fishes were analysed for delousing agents, and 145 fishes were examined for residues of diflubenzuron and teflubenzuron. The surveillance showed no use of illegal substances or levels of legally used substances above the internationally set limits.
Although the use of some pharmaceuticals was higher in 2009 compared to last year, the study reported that the use of pharmaceuticals for farmed fish had no effect on seafood safety.
The surveillance system employed in the study was in accordance with the EU-directive 96/23 for the surveillance of foods of animal origin, including farmed fish. Prescriptions for pharmaceuticals used for fish had been registered and fishes were only slaughtered after a pre-set time for withdrawal effects to take place.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority is responsible for implementing the directive in Norway and NIFES performs the chemical analyses and risk assessment. The system is monitored on a regular basis by the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA).
