Consumption of farmed salmon

20.12.2017

Question for written answer E-007899-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Giulia Moi (EFDD)

A study entitled ‘Global Assessment of Organic Contaminants in Farmed Salmon’, published in the journal Science, has analysed toxin concentrations in farmed salmon and, on the basis of the findings, recommends that its consumption be avoided.

In intensive farms effluent is never washed away, but simply left to fall through the nets. This causes thousands of tonnes of excreta and waste to settle on the surrounding seabed, matter which is never removed, providing a breeding ground for mutations in pathogens that can end up on our dining-tables.

Farmed salmon are often coloured artificially to resemble wild salmon; the dye added to feed (SalmoFan) eventually turns the flesh a bright pink colour verging on orange.

The feed used in many countries (for example Norway) contains increased quantities of endosulfan, a highly toxic pesticide.

The salmon is a carnivore: to obtain a kilogram of it, at least 5 kg of other fish are needed; this is adding to the decline in fish stocks in which many species are being driven towards extinction.

Farmed salmon could contain protein derived from animal by-products.

In the light of the above points, can the Commission say whether it is aware of this situation? If so, what steps will it take to protect European citizens’ health?