June 12, 2013

Norway requests to raise toxin level in salmon feed

Norwegian authorities have lobbied in the EU to allow more toxin level in salmon, following debate on the danger of eating farmed salmon due to the high level of harmful pollutants.

According to report, Norway has, for years, tried to get the EU to allow ten times higher level of endosulfan toxin in salmon than previously allowed. Currently, the country has received approval in the EU. A consultation document from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) shows that there are economic reasons for Norway to raise the limit.

"The limit value for the concentration of endosulfan in feed for salmonids is of great economic importance for the aquaculture industry in the short and longer term," the letter stated.

Endosulfan was previously banned from use in feed for all salmonids. However, research has shown that fish can withstand poison through better feed than exposure in water.

Opposition parties have criticised fisheries minister for not dealing with the issue seriously. Many fear that the debate on potential hazards of consuming farmed salmon create negative consequences for Norwegian salmon export.