Norway reveals good results from imported seafood testing

Testing of imported seafood in Norway has found all samples were compliant with the regulations.

Findings come from a report with results on the monitoring program for veterinary border control on aquatic products imported to Norway from countries outside the EU and the European Economic Area in 2023.

Staff at Norwegian Border Inspection Posts collected samples. The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) conducted analytical work on behalf of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet).

One hundred fourteen seafood samples were examined using different analytical methods and assays for microorganisms, illegal substances, and environmental toxins.

Sampling targeted hazards associated with different products and took into account import volumes, the compositional nature of products, results from previous monitoring, the geographical origin of samples, and information in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF).

Highlighted results

All 95 samples analyzed for potential pathogenic and spoilage bacteria complied with the regulations.

Listeria monocytogenes was detected qualitatively in one of 49 samples analyzed. The quantitative analysis found the level below the detection limit of 10 colony-forming units per gram. The sample consisted of breaded cod imported from Great Britain, and as this product was not intended to be consumed without further heat treatment, it was judged to be compliant with EU rules.

Four samples of fresh eastern oysters from Canada were positive for Vibrio alginolyticus.

However, there are currently no regulations or limits regarding bacteria in such food, and they were deemed compliant.

Seven relevant samples were examined for histamine, and all values were below the maximum permitted level. Fillets of fish from five samples were tested for anisakid nematodes using the UV-press method. No parasites were observed in any samples.

A dozen samples were analyzed for cadmium, mercury, and lead. Arsenic was also included, although there is no maximum level in seafood. No exceedances of maximum levels were found.

Control campaign

Mattilsynet also revealed that between September and December 2024, the agency will conduct audits of businesses that produce ready-to-eat seafood.

The aim is for all approved businesses that produce smoked salmon and rakfisk to be audited.

Inspectors will examine whether companies have measures to ensure products are safe to eat. The emphasis will be on managing microbiological risks such as Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium botulinum and undesirable substances like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) that can be formed during smoking.

A 2021/2022 campaign to produce smoked salmon revealed issues with Listeria compliance documentation and shelf life assessments.

Mattilsynet will take samples of smoked salmon in some businesses. Sampling will update knowledge on the occurrence of Listeria in Norwegian businesses and could help clarify and limit future listeriosis outbreaks.

Rakfisk is a high-risk product for botulism. Inspectors will investigate how the Clostridium botulinum risk is controlled.

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