December 23, 2005

EU differs from Russia in opinion over Norwegian salmon

The EU differs from Russia in opinion over the safety of consuming Norwegian salmon.

Russia recently banned fresh Norwegian salmon after Russian vets claimed they contained unsafe levels of lead and cadmium. The country has also questioned Norway's food safety monitoring standards. Norway has disputed the claims.

On the other hand, the EU Health Commission disagreed with the Russian claims. The commission said no evidence has been found so far that indicated Norwegian salmon were unsafe for consumption, and EU imports of fresh Norwegian salmon would continue.

Russian vets have so far rejected offers from Norway to inspect cadmium and lead levels for themselves at Norwegian fish farms.