July 31, 2024
China's Nordic Aqua Partners halts sale of 190 tonnes of salmon due to off-flavour compound
Chinese land-based salmon farmer Nordic Aqua Partners (NOAP) has decided not to sell 190 tonnes of harvest-ready fish for human consumption after detecting high concentrations of the off-flavour compound geosmin, Fishfarmingexpert reported.
NOAP reported that the issue was caused by overloading of the purging unit at its recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility in Ningbo. Geosmin, a naturally occurring compound, is known to be absorbed by fish in all RAS. Although it is harmless to both fish and humans, elevated concentrations can negatively affect the taste of the fish.
NOAP stated that its team has identified the root causes and is implementing both immediate and long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences. These measures include enhancing its water filtration and management processes.
"Our Atlantic salmon has received very good feedback in the market since its launch in April. However, following recent quality checks, elevated levels of geosmin were identified in specific production sections. As a result, the affected salmon, 190 tonnes (head on gutted), will not be sold for human consumption but at a substantially lower price," said Andreas Thorud, managing director of Nordic Aqua (Ningbo) Co, Ltd.
"Nordic Aqua does not compromise on quality and we relentlessly seek premium products at our facility. Hence, the decision to harvest is in line with our commitment to maintain the highest standards of quality and safety for our consumers while ensuring that the affected product is utilised responsibly."
After harvesting the affected fish, NOAP will empty, disinfect, and refill the purging department (8 tanks) with pure, cleaned water. New salmon will eventually be moved to purging. The purging department will be restarted in a controlled manner due to excellent fish growth, which initially overstretched the purging capacity. This will impact the harvest volume for the entire second half of 2024.
The alternative use of the 190 tonnes HOG and reduced harvest will negatively impact revenue in the third quarter, and the slower-than-planned harvest may also influence Q4.
NOAP chief executive Ragnar Joensen said: "Nordic Aqua is at the forefront of the development of land-based salmon farming, and learning and minor surprises are part of such development. Nordic Aqua has focused on recruiting the best competence and experience and has chosen to partner with high-quality suppliers, such as AKVA Group for technology and Skretting for feed. This strategy has proven critical as issues like this are dealt with efficiently, based on deep and broad insight."
- Fishfarmingexpert
