The Norwegian annual report, Monitoring program for pharmaceuticals, illegal substances and contaminants in farmed fish, summarizes the monitoring data collected in 2018 on the status of illegal substances, pharmaceuticals and contaminants in Norwegian farmed fish. The report, prepared by the Institute of Marine Research, was performed according to EU legislation (96/23/EC) and states that all food producing animals should be monitored for certain substances and residues thereof.

A total of 13,920 fish were collected by official inspectors from the Norwegian Food Safety Authorities without prior notification to the farmers. Samples examined for illegal compounds were collected at all stages of farming and are representative of farmed fish under production. The samples were analyzed for substances with anabolic effects or unauthorized substances.

No residues of illegal compounds were detected. Samples tested for approved veterinary drugs and contaminants were collected at processing plants and are representative of Norwegian farmed fish ready for human consumption. Residues of anti-sea lice agents were found in four samples and the levels present were below the maximum residue limit (MRL) for all samples. Other veterinary drugs, like antibiotics or drugs used against internal parasites were not found. No environmental contaminants were found above the EU maximum limits.

Read full report here.