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Monitoring program for pharmaceuticals, illegal substances, and contaminants in farmed fish

— Annual report for 2022

Sammendrag

This report summarises the monitoring data collected in 2022 on the status of illegal substances, pharmaceuticals and contaminants in Norwegian farmed fish. In 2022, a total of 15040 fish were sampled. Samples examined for illegal compounds were collected at all stages of farming and are representative of farmed fish under production. The samples were analysed 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 the anti-sealice agents emamectin, lufenuron and imidacloprid were found. In addition, residues of cypermethrin and deltamethrin were detected; both substances used as chemical delousing, but also as plant protection agents. Residue concentrations for all samples were below the respective Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Other veterinary drugs, like antibiotics or drugs used against internal parasites were not found. No environmental contaminants were found above the EU maximum level.

1 - Introduction

1.1 - Background

According to EU legislation (Regulation (EU) 2017/625, which from 2023 is supplemented with Regulation(EU) 2022/1644, Regulation (EU) 2022/1646, Regulation (EU) 2022/931 and Regulation (EU) 2022/932), all food producing animals should be monitored for certain substances and residues thereof. The following residues or substance groups are monitored in Norwegian farmed fish:

Group A Substances with anabolic effects and unauthorized substances:

A1: Stilbenes, derivatives and their salts and esters

A3: Steroids

A5: Beta-agonists

A6: Prohibited substances

Group B Veterinary drugs and contaminants:

B1: Antibacterial agents

B2a: Anthelmintics

B2c: Carbamates and pyrethroids

B2d: Sedatives

B3a: Organochlorine compounds

B3b: Organophosphorus compounds

B3c: Chemical elements

B3d: Mycotoxins

B3e: Dyes

B3f: Others

1.2 - Group A, Substances with anabolic effects and unauthorized substances

Fish tested for illegal compounds were collected at the farm by official inspectors from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NSFA), without prior notification to the farmers. Samples were taken at all stages of farming in order to represent farmed fish during production. Substances monitored in Group A include growth promoters like steroids and stilbenes, and unauthorized drugs. Unauthorized drugs considered most relevant for aquaculture are chloramphenicol, nitrofurans, metronidazole and dyes. Since the use of the dyes malachite green, crystal violet and brilliant green is not allowed for food producing species (Commission Regulation (EU) No. 37/2010), they are considered Group A substances and hence monitored in samples throughout the production chain. However, according to Regulation (EU) 2017/625, these dyes belong to the group B3e. Thus, in order to fulfill criteria for group B sampling, some of the samples assigned to analysis of dyes were also collected at the slaughterhouse.

To ensure harmonized levels for the control of unauthorized substances, the analytical methods should meet a minimum required performance limits (MRPLs) set by the European Union (Commission Decision 2003/181/EC; CRL, 2007; European Commission, 2003), and European reference laboratories (EU-RLs) (Commission Decision 2003/181/EC; CRL, 2007; European Commission, 2003). Table 1 gives an overview of MRPLs of relevant compounds.

1.3 - Group B, veterinary drugs

In order to protect public health, current EU legislation (Commission Regulation (EU) No. 37/2010) provisions the assignment of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for all legally applied pharmacologically active substances in products intended for human consumption. An MRL denotes the highest permitted residual concentration of a legally applied veterinary drug and is evaluated for each substance and each food product individually. Consumption of food with drug residues below the MRL should not pose a health risk to the consumer. For fish, the MRLs are set for muscle and skin in natural proportions. Samples examined for veterinary drugs were collected from fish at processing plants and the samples are representative of fish ready to be placed on the market for human consumption.

1.4 - Group B, contaminants

Samples examined for contaminants were collected from fish at processing plants and are representative of fish ready for human consumption. The EU (Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006) has set a Maximum limit (ML) for some of the contaminants in fish, while for others, such as pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), perfluorocarbons (PFC) and brominated flame retardants (BFR), maximum limits have not been established.

2 - Material and methods

2.1 - Sampling

Samples were taken on fish farms or slaughterhouses, by official inspectors from the NFSA, in all fish-producing regions in Norway. The sampling plan was randomised according to season and region. In 2022, the monitoring program included Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), brown trout (Salmo trutta), turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus), Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor) .

Samples were transported to the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in a frozen state. For most analyses, the Norwegian quality cut (NQC) was used (Johnsen et al., 2011). However, both NQC and individual liver samples were collected for analysis of antibiotics. Samples to be used for analyses of substances with anabolic effects or unauthorized substances also included small fish from early life stages, and in these cases, the whole fish except head, tail and gut were homogenised. The samples were analysed as pooled samples comprising five fish from the same cage/farm.

2.2 - Pre-treatment

Upon arrival at IMR the sample identification was anonymised for the analysts. A back-up sample was stored for all samples. Pooled samples of muscle from five fish from the same cage/farm were homogenised before analyses. Samples of liver were excised from the fish to be screened for residues of antimicrobial agents by the microbiological inhibition zone assay. Liver samples were examined individually, if residues were detected, the back-up sample of muscle was analysed by chemical methods. The maximum residue limits for veterinary drugs are set for muscle and skin in natural proportions (Commission Regulation (EU) No. 37/2010). Therefore, according to the analytical protocol, any detection of drug residues in the muscle or liver was followed by a re-analysis of the back-up sample, consisting of muscle and skin in natural proportions, in duplicate.

2.3 - Analytical methods

The laboratory routines and most of the analytical methods are accredited in accordance with the standard ISO 17025 (Table 1). A summary of the analytical methods and their limit of detection (LOD) or limit of quantification (LOQ) is shown in Table 1. The LOD is the lowest level at which the method is able to detect the substance, while the LOQ is the lowest level for a reliable quantitative measurement. For all methods, a sample blank and a quality control sample (QC) with a known composition and concentration of target analyte are included in each series. The methods are regularly verified by participation in inter laboratory proficiency tests, or by analysing certified reference material (CRM), where such exist.


Group of substances Analyte Method LOD (µg/kg w.w.) LOQ (µg/kg w.w.) Level of action (µg/kg w.w.) Laboratory
A1 Stilbenes Diethylstilbestrol LC-MS/MS 1   Presence Eurofins
Dienestrol 1
Hexestrol 1
Β-Estradiol 1
α-Estradiol 1
Estriol 1
Estrone 1
Ethinyl estradiol 1
A3 Steroids α-nandrolon LC-MS/MS 1   Presence Eurofins
β-nandrolon 1
α-trenbolon 1
β-trenbolon 1
Trenbolone-acetate 2
16-Hydroxy stanozolol 1
α -Boldenone 1
Boldenone 1
Chlor-Testosterone (Clostebol) 1
Epitestosterone 1
Methyl-Boldenone (Dianabol) 1
Methyltestosterone 1
Nortestosterone/ Nandrolone 1
Stanozolol 1
Testosterone 1
Testosterone-propionate 2
A5 Beta-agonists Brombuterol LC-MS/MS 0.10   Presence Eurofins
Cimaterol 0.50
Cimbuterol 0.50
Clenbuterol 0.10
Clencyclohexerol 1.0
Clenpenterol 0.50
Clenproperol 0.50
Fenoterol 5.0
Hydroxymethyl-clenbuterol 0.10
Isoxsuprine 0.50
Chlorbrombuterol 0.10
Mabuterol 0.10
Mapenterol 0.10
Metaproterenol (Orciprenalin) 10
Ractopamine 1.0
Ritodrine 0.50
Salbutamol 5.0
Salmeterol 5.0
Terbutaline 10
Tulobuterol 0.10
Zilpaterol 5.0
A6 Annex IV substances Chloramfenicol LC-MS/MS 0.25   Presence IMR
Metronidazole LC-MS/MS 0.3   Presence
Hydroxy-metronidazole 2.0  
Nitrofuran AOZ LC-MS/MS 0.5   Presence
Nitrofuran AHD 0.6   Presence
Nitrofuran AMOZ 0.4   Presence
Nitrofuran SEM 0.5   Presence
B1 Antibacterial Substances Micro-biological method Quinolones 3-plate Screening Method 2 200   100-600 IMR
Tetracyclines 200   100
Amphenicols 200   1000
Sulfonamides 400   100
B1 Antibacterial substances Chemical method Oxolinic acid LC-MS/MS   40 100 IMR
Flumequine 40 600
Enrofloxacin 10 100
Ciprofloxacin 10 100
Trimethoprim 2.0 50
Florfenicol 4.0 1000
Oxytetracycline LC-MS/MS   30 100 Eurofins
B2a Anthelmintics Praziquantel LC-MS/MS   1-0 - IMR/ Eurofins
Fenbendazole LC-MS/MS   1.0 -
Emamectin LC-MS/MS   2.0 100
Diflubenzuron LC-MS/MS   1.0 10
Teflubenzuron 1.0 500
Hexaflumuron 1.0 500
Lufenuron 1.0 1350
Abamectin LC-MS/MS   2 - Eurofins
Doramectin 2 -
Emamectin B1a 2 100
Eprinomectin 2 50
Ivermectin 2 -
Moxidectin 2 -
Isoeugenol 3 GC-FID   50 6000
Imidacloprid 3 LC-MS/MS   4 600 Eurofins
B2c Carbamates and pyrethroids Bifenthrin GC-MS/MS   0.51-1.0 - IMR
Cyfluthrin   0.51-1.0 -
Cypermethrin   0.51-1.0 50
Deltamethrin   0.51-1.0 10
Fenvalerate   0.51-1.0 -
Lambda-Cyhalothrin   0.51-1.0 -
Permethrin   1.0-2.1 -
B3a Organo-chlorine compounds Dioxins and dl-PCBs HRGC-HRMS   0.0000010- 0.11 ng TEQ/kg 6.5 ng TEQ/kg IMR
PCB-6 GC-MS GC-MS/MS   0.0052 – 0.040 75
Organochlorine pesticides GC-MS/MS   0.020-2.1 -
B3b Organo-phosphorus compounds Azametiphos LC-MS/MS   10 - IMR
Dichlorvos
Chlorpyriphos Chlorpyrifos-methyl GC-MS/MS   0.020-0.041 0.10-0.21 -
Pirimiphos-methyl   0.10-0.21 -
B3c Chemical elements Lead ICP-MS   0.005- 0.010 mg/kg 0.3 mg/kg IMR
Cadmium 0.001- 0.002 mg/kg 0.05 mg/kg.
Arsenic 0.002-0.003 mg/kg -
Mercury 0.001-0.002 mg/kg 0.5 mg/kg
Cobalt 0.005-0.010 mg/kg -
Chromium 0.006-0.010 mg/kg -
Copper 0.1 mg/kg -
Iron 0.1 mg/kg -
Manganese 0.03 mg/kg -
Molybdenum 0.02-0.04 mg/kg -
Nickel 0.06-0.10 mg/kg -
Selenium 0.01 mg/kg -
Silver 0.002-0.004 mg/kg -
Vanadium 0.001-0.002 mg/kg -
Zinc 0.5 mg/kg -
Inorganic arsenic LC-ICP-MS   2-3 -
Methylmercury GC-ICP-MS   1 -
Tributyltin GC-ICP-MS   0.04-0.08 -
Arsenobetaine LC-ICP-MS   0.004 -
Arsenocholine 0.3 -
Dimethylarsenate 0.001 -
Tetramethylarsonium 0.003-0.004 -
Trimethylarsine oxide 0.001-0.002 -
Trimethylarsine propanoate 0.0009-0.001 -
B3d Mycotoxins Beauvericin, Enniatin A, A1, B and B1 LC-MS/MS   10 - Eurofins
B3e, Dyes Malachite green LC-MS/MS 0.15   Presence IMR
Leuco malachite green 0.15  
Crystal violet 0.30   Presence
Leuco crystal violet 0.15   Presence
Brilliant green 0.15   Presence
B3f, Others PBDE GC-MS   0.00052-0.052 - IMR
HBCD LC-MS/MS   0.006-0.03 - Eurofins
TBBPA GC-MS   0.04-0.2 - Eurofins
PAH GC-MS/MS   0.02-0.7 - IMR
PFC LC-MS/MS   0.2.1.0 - IMR
Ethoxyquin HPLC-FLD   0.001 - IMR
Ethoxyquin dimer 0.005 -
1 All methods used muscle as sample matrix except for microbiological methods for antibacterial substances (B1), where liver was used. 2 Only screening method, positive results must be confirmed by a chemical method. 3 Not accredited.

Table 1. Summary of analytical methods1.

3 - Results

3.1 - Substances with anabolic effects and unauthorized substances

In 2022, a total of 1074 pooled fillet samples (5 fish/sample) were tested for residues of illegal substances, including stilbenes (142 pooled samples), steroids (141 pooled samples), beta agonists (142 pooled samples) and unauthorized veterinary drugs (649 pooled samples). The samples were mainly taken from Atlantic salmon, but also samples from rainbow trout, Atlantic cod, brown trout and Arctic char were analysed. With regards to illegal substances, the samples are monitored for and evaluated towards presence. No residues of unauthorized compounds were detected in any of the samples. The individual substances included in the monitoring of these substance groups, analytical methods, and legal action limits are listed in Table 1, Materials and Methods.

 
 
  Total number of pooled samples 1 Species      Number of positive samples
Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Brown trout Atlantic cod Arctic char
A1 Stilbenes 2 142 129 10 1 0 2 not detected
A3 Steroids 2 141 127 11 1 1 1 not detected
A5 Beta-agonists 2 142 130 9 1 1 1 not detected
A6 Annex IV substances
       Dyes2 2223 194 21 2 2 3 not detected

       Chloramphenicol     

142 130 8 1 0 3 not detected

       Metronidazole,

       Metronidazole hydroxide         

143 132 8 1 1 1 not detected

       Nitrofuranes          

       (AHD, AOZ, AMOZ, SEM)

142 127 12 1 0 2 not detected

1Fillet from five fish per sample. 2 A list over all individual substances included in the monitoring, analytical methods, and legal action limits can be found in Chapter 2, Materials and Methods, Table 1. 3 Including both 141 pooled fillet samples of fish taken from production, and 81 pooled samples of fish taken at the slaughterhouse.

Table 2. Substances with anabolic effect and unauthorized substances in fillets of farmed fish. The table shows the total number of samples analysed in 2022, number of samples per fish species and number of positive samples for residues of illegal substances included in the monitoring.

3.2 - Veterinary drugs

Samples analysed for veterinary drugs were collected from fish at processing plants, representing fish ready for human consumption. The maximum residue limit (MRL) for veterinary drugs is defined for muscle and skin in natural proportions (Commission Regulation (EU) No. 37/2010). Therefore, according to the analytical protocol, any detection of drug residues in a sample of muscle or liver would be followed by a re-analysis of the backup sample, consisting of muscle and skin in natural proportions, in duplicate.

3.2.1 - Group B1, Antibacterial agents

Antibacterial agents were monitored through a combination of a three-plate bioassay and chemical methods. The broad groups a) quinolones, b) amphenicols and tetracyclines and c) sulfonamides were screened in livers of 1640 fish (Table 3). A total of 128 pooled fillet samples, representing 640 fish were analysed by chemical methods (Table 4). No residues were detected in any of the samples analysed.


Antibiotics 1   Total number of pooled samples Species        
LOQ (µg/kg w.w.)
Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Arctic char Atlantic cod Brown trout Turbot
n 328 299 20 6 1 1 1  
Quinolones n >LOQ 0 100
Sulfonamides n >LOQ 0 400
Tetracyclines n >LOQ 0 200
Amphenicols n >LOQ 0 200

1 No MRL established for liver

Table 3. Antibacterial agents in liver of farmed fish. The table shows total number of pooled samples analysed in 2022, number of samples analysed per fish species, number of samples above LOQ (n >LOQ), and method LOQs for the screening for residues of four groups of broad-spectrum antibiotics in liver tissue.

 

 
 Antibacterial agents
Total number of pooled samples Species       
LOQ (µg/kg w.w.)
 
 
MRL (µg/kg w.w.)
 
Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Atlantic cod Atlantic halibut Turbot
n 107 95 5 5 1 1    
Ciprofloxacin n >LOQ 0 10 100
Enrofloxacin n >LOQ 0 10 100
Florfenicol n >LOQ 0 4 1000
Flumequine n >LOQ 0 40 600
Oxolinic acid n >LOQ 0 40 100
Trimethoprim n >LOQ 0 2 50
n   21 19 2  0 0 0    
Tetracycline n >LOQ 0

-

- - 30 100
Doxycycline n >LOQ 0 - - - 30 100
Chlortetracycline n >LOQ 0 - - - 30 100
Oxytetracycline n >LOQ 0 - - - 30 100

Table 4 . Antibacterial agents in fillets of farmed fish. The table shows the total number of pooled samples analysed in 2022, number of samples analysed per fish species, number of samples above the LOQ (n >LOQ), method LOQs, and legal maximum residue limits (MRLs) for residues of different antibacterial substances included in the monitoring.

3.2.2 - Group B2a, Anthelmintics

The residues of anthelmintics, such as anti-sea-lice agents (Table 5) and agents for treatment of endoparasites (Table 6) were monitored in a total of 520 pooled fillet samples, representing 2600 fish.

Residues of the anti-sea lice agent emamectin were detected in two out of 124 analysed samples, at concentrations of 3.9 and 7.8 µg/kg. The concentrations were below the MRL of 100 µg/kg (EU 37/2010). Residues of lufenuron were found in two out of 113 analysed samples. The concentrations measured were 1.2 and 1.5 µg/kg and were below the MRL of 1350 µg/kg. Residues of imidacloprid were detected in two out of 118 samples analysed. The concentrations were 10 and 13 µg/kg, and were below the MRL of 600 µg/kg. Residues of other agents in this group were not detected in any of the samples.


Anti-sealice agents Total number of pooled samples Species       
LOQ (µg/kg w.w.)
 
 
MRL (µg/kg w.w.)
 
Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Arctic char Brown trout Atlantic cod
n 124 117 5 1 1  0    
Emamectin n >LOQ 2 0 0 0 -    
Max value (µg/kg w.w.) 7.8 - - - - 2 100
n 16 15  0 1  0  0    
Ivermectin n >LOQ 0 - 0 - - 2 -
Abamectin n >LOQ 0 - 0 - - 2 -
Doramectin n >LOQ 0 - 0 - - 2 -
Eprinomectin n >LOQ 0 - 0 - - 2 50
Moxidectin n >LOQ 0 - 0 - - 2 -
n 113 106 6  0 1    
Diflubenzuron n >LOQ 0 0 - - 0 1 10
Teflubenzuron n >LOQ 0 0 - - 0 1 500
Lufenuron n >LOQ 2 0 - - 0 1 1350
Max value (µg/kg w.w.) 1.5 - - - -
Hexaflumeron n >LOQ 0 0 - - 0 1 500
Fluazuron n >LOQ 0 0 - - 0 1 200
n 118 111 6  0  0 1    
Imidacloprid n >LOQ 2 0 - - 0 4 600
Max value (µg/kg w.w.) 13 - - - -
n 50 46 3  0  0 1    
Azamethiphos n >LOQ 0 0 - - 0 10 -
Dichlorvos n >LOQ 0 0 0 10 -

Table 5. Anti-sea lice agents in fillet of farmed fish. The table shows the total number of pooled samples analysed in 2022, number of samples analysed per fish species, number of samples with residues above LOQ (n >LOQ), method LOQs, and legal maximum residue limits (MRL). Where residues above LOQ were detected, the maximum value measured (µg/kg w.w.) is given in the row underneath.

  Total number of pooled samples Species     

 
LOQ 

(µg/kg w.w.)

Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Brown trout Atlantic cod Turbot
n 99 91 5 1 1 1  
Praziquantel n >LOQ 0 1
Fenbendazole  n >LOQ 0 1

 

Table 6. Agents against endoparasites in fillet of farmed fish. The table shows the total number of pooled samples analysed in 2022, number of samples analysed per fish species, number of samples above LOQ (n >LOQ), and method LOQs for different analyses of residues of praziquantel and fenbendazole (µg/kg w.w.). There is no legal maximum residue limit (MRL) established for either of these compounds in fish muscle.


3.2.3 - Group B2c, Carbamates and pyrethroids

In 2022, carbamates and pyrethroid substances were monitored in 197 samples, representing 985 fish (Table 7).

 
 
Total number of pooled samples Species     

LOQ

(µg/kg w.w.)

MRL

fin fish

(µg/kg w.w.)  

Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Arctic char Atlantic cod Atlantic halibut
n   197 178 15 2 1 1    
Cypermethrin n >LOQ  41 6 2 0 0 0.51- 1.0 501
Median - - - - -
Max value 4.1 1.4 2 LOQ LOQ
Deltamethrin n >LOQ  2 0 1 0 0 0.51- 1.0 10
Median - - -   -
Max value 1.2 LOQ 1.5 LOQ LOQ
Bifenthrin n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0 0.51- 1.0 -
Median - - - - -
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ
Cyfluthrin n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0 0.51- 1.0 -
Median - - - - -
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ
Fenvalerat n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0 0.51- 1.0 -
Median - - - - -
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ
Lambda-Cyhalothrin n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0 0.51- 1.0 -
Median - - - - -
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ
Permethrin n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0 1.0- 2.1 -
Median - - - - -
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ

1 MRL established for Salmonidae only (muscle and skin in natural proportions).

Table 7. Carbamates and pyrethroid substances in fillet of farmed fish. The table shows the total number of pooled samples analysed in 2022, number of samples analysed per farmed fish species, number of samples above LOQ (n >LOQ), and the median and maximum values for measured residues of carbamate and pyrethroid substances (µg/kg w.w.). The median was calculated when more 50% of the samples had values above LOQ. Where none of the samples had values above LOQ, the maximum value was set at LOQ. Method LOQs and legal maximum residue limits (MRL) for the different substances are given in the last two columns.

Cypermethrin was detected in 41 out of 178 pooled fillet samples of Atlantic salmon, 6 out of 15 samples of rainbow trout, and both samples of Arctic char analysed. Residues of deltamethrin were found in two samples of salmon and one sample of Arctic char.

Both cypermethrin and deltamethrin are synthetic pyrethroid substances, used as pharmaceutical delousing agent applied as bath treatment in aquaculture farm cages, but also as insecticide in large-scale commercial agricultural applications. Residues of cypermethrin and deltamethrin in fish may therefore also originate from transfer via plant-based ingredients in fish feed. 

There are no pesticide MRLs established for cypermethrin or deltamethrin in fish muscle (EFSA, 2015, 2023). The maximum levels of cypermethrin measured were 4.1 µg/kg in salmon, 1.4 µg/kg in rainbow trout, and 2 µg/kg in Arctic char, and were all below the MRL of 50 µg/kg (EU 37/2010), which is established for cypermethrin residues from veterinary drugs. The MRL for deltamethrin used as veterinary drug is established at 10 µg/kg for fin fish. The maximum level of deltamethrin (1.5 µg/kg in Arctic char) detected was below this MRL.

None of the other carbamate or pyrethroid substances included in the monitoring, were detected in any of the samples.

3.2.4 - Group B2d, Sedatives

No residues of isoeugenol or eugenol were found in any of the 50 samples analysed for these sedatives (Table 8).

 
Sedatives
Total number of pooled samples Species     LOQ (µg/kg w.w.) MRL (µg/kg w.w.)
Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Brown trout Atlantic cod
n 50 46 2 1 1    
Isoeugenol n >LOQ 0 50 6000
Eugenol n >LOQ 0 50 -

Table 8. Sedatives in fillet of farmed fish. The table shows the total number of pooled samples analysed in 2022, number of samples analysed per farmed fish species, and number of samples above LOQ (n >LOQ), method LOQs and legal maximum limits (MRLs) for isoeugenol and eugenol measured in fish fillets (µg/kg w.w.).

3.3 - Contaminants

Samples analysed for contaminants were collected from fish at processing plants and are representative of fish ready for human consumption.

3.3.1 - Group B3a, Organochlorine compounds

The levels of organochlorine compounds were determined in 304 pooled samples in 2022. The results are summarised in Tables 9 to 11.

3.3.1.1 - Organochlorine pesticides

For several of the pesticides, the amount present is calculated as a sum including metabolites or transformation products (EU DG SANTE, 2017). The results for these groups of pesticides are presented in Table 9. To calculate the sum of the components, conversion factors (Table A1, Appendix) are used to adjust for different molecular weights (EU DG SANTE, 2017). The sums in Table 9 were calculated according to the upper bound (UB) formula. For DDT and Chlordane levels were calculated as the sums of all measured metabolites, as well as the sums of metabolites according to the legal residue definitions established through Reg. (EC) No 149/2008. When using UB calculations, the numerical value of LOQ is used as a concentration value for each non-quantified analyte. UB thus represents a “worst case scenario”. As an example, all measurements of endosulfan are below LOQ, however, a sum is generated based on the LOQ-values. The results for the other organochlorine pesticides are summarised in Table 10.

There are currently no MRLs established in fish fillet for any of the listed pesticides (EU, 2014).


Pesticide Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Arctic char Atlantic cod Atlantic halibut
Sum n 178 15 2 1 1
DDT Median (UB) 3.51 (3.4)2 3.71 (3.6)2 3.91 (3.7)2 - -
Max (UB) 111 (10)2 6.31 (6.0)2 4.71 (4.6)2 0.331 (0.29)2 4.71 (4.5)2
Endosulfane Median (UB) 2.2 2.2 2.2 - -
Max (UB) 2.2 2.2 2.2 1.1 2.2
Aldrin and dieldrin Median (UB) 1.4 1.3 1.5 - -
Max (UB) 3.6 3.0 1.8 0.41 1.1
Chlordane Median (UB) 0.603 (0.40)4 0.593 (0.39)4 0.673 (0.47)4 - -
Max (UB) 1.93 (1.5)4 1.53 (1.3)4 0.833 (0.64)4 0.253 (0.15)4 0.693 (0.50)4
Heptachlor Median (UB) 1.2 1.2 1.2 - -
Max (UB) 1.4 1.3 1.2 0.6 1.2
Toxaphene Median (UB) 1.8 1.8 2.1 - -
Max (UB) 6.7 4.0 2.4 0.91 2.1

1 DDT (sum of p,p-DDT, o,p-DDT, p,p-DDD, o,p-DDD, p,p-DDE,and o,p-DDE expressed as DDT). 2 Legal residue definition according to Reg. (EC) No 149/2008: DDT (sum of p,p´-DDT, o,p´-DDT, p-p´-DDE and p,p´-TDE (DDD) expressed as DDT). 3 Chlordane (sum of cis- and trans-isomers and oxychlordane expressed as chlordane). 4 Legal residue definition according to Reg. (EC) No 149/2008: Chlordane (sum of cis- and trans-chlordane).

Table 9. Median and maximum (Max) concentrations of the sum of certain organochlorine pesticides and their metabolites in fillet of farmed fish (µg/kg w.w.). The values are calculated as upper bound and adjusted for molecular weights.

Pesticide Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Arctic char Atlantic cod Atlantic halibut

LOQ

(µg/kg w.w.)

  n 178 15 2 1 1  
α-Hexachlorocyclo- hexane n >LOQ  178 15 2 0 0  
Median 0.098 0.091 0.063 - -  
Max value 0.15 0.13 0.065 LOQ LOQ 0.020-0.040
β-Hexachlorocyclo- hexane n >LOQ  178 15 0. 2 0 1  
Median 0.10 0.088 0.090 - -  
Max value 0.52 0.28 0.10 LOQ 0.049 0.020-0.040
γ-Hexachlorocyclo- hexane (Lindane) n >LOQ  129 12 0 0 0  
Median 0.046 0.049 - - -  
Max value 0.092 0.079 LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.020-0.040
Hexachlorobenzene n >LOQ  178 15 2 0 1  
Median 0.73 0.67 0.86 - -  
Max value 2.4 2.1 1.2 LOQ 0.64 0.10-0.20
Pentachlorobenzene n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.51- 1.0
Toxaphene Parlar 32 n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.51- 1.0
Toxaphene Parlar 40+41 n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 1.0-2.0
Trans-Nonachlor n >LOQ  176 14 2 0 1  
Median 0.42 0.49 0.45 - -  
Max value 2.2 1.3 0.61 LOQ 0.71 0.51- 1.0
Endrin n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.51- 1.0
Endrin-ketone n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.51- 1.0
Mirex n >LOQ  22 3 0 0 1  
Median - - - - -  
Max value 0.12 0.070 LOQ LOQ 0.074 0.020-0.41
Isodrin n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.51- 1.0

 

Table 10. Pesticides in fillets of farmed fish (µg/kg w.w.). The table shows the number of samples analysed in 2022 per species, number of samples above LOQ (n >LOQ), median, and maximum measured value (Max value). The median was calculated when more 50% of the samples had values above LOQ. Where none of the samples had values above LOQ, the maximum value was set at LOQ. Method LOQs for the different compounds are given in the last column.

 

3.3.1.2 - Dioxin, dl-PCBs and PCB-6

The levels of dioxin (PCDD+PCDF), dl-PCBs and PCB-6 in farmed fish are shown in Table 11. The data is mainly represented by Atlantic salmon, but in 2022 also samples from rainbow trout, Arctic char, Atlantic cod, turbot and Atlantic halibut were examined. The sums of dioxins, dioxins + dl-PCBs and PCB-6 are calculated as upper bound (Commission Regulation (EU) No. 1259/2011). Accordingly, the numerical LOQ values were used for congeners with levels below LOQ.

The levels of dioxins and dl-PCBs are reported as ng toxic equivalents 2005 (TEQ05)/kg and represent the sum of 17 different PCDD/F and 12 dl-PCBs where each congener was multiplied by a Toxic Equivalency Factor (TEF). TEF values are determined by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the toxicity of each congener is expressed relative to the most toxic form of dioxin, which has a TEF value of 1 (Commission Regulation (EU) No. 1259/2011; Van den Berg et al., 2006).

In 2022, dioxin levels found in fish fillet were somewhat lower than in the previous year. For salmon, the median of the sum of dioxins was 0.12 ng TEQ/kg w.w. The maximum value found in salmon (0.34 ng TEQ/kg w.w.) was below the EU maximum level of 3.5 ng TEQ/kg w.w. The median of the sum of all 29 PCDD/F and dl-PCBs was 0.32 ng TEQ/kg w.w for salmon (0.04 ng TEQ/kg w.w. lower than in 2020) and 0.37 ng TEQ/kg w.w for rainbow trout similar to 2021. The highest result for sum dioxin and dl-like PCBs was 0.79 ng TEQ/kg w.w., measured in tubot. All measured values were below the EU maximum level of 6.5 ng TEQ/kg w.w. The median of PCB-6 for salmon was 2.6 μ g/kg w.w and 3.6 in rainbow trout, with maximum concentrations of 5.7 and 5.1 μ g/kg w.w, respectively. For PCB-6, a maximum level is set at 75 μ g/kg w.w. in the EU.

  Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Arctic char Atlantic cod Turbot Atlantic halibut EU Maximum Level
  n 98 4 2 1 1 1  
Sum dioxins (ng TEQ/kg w.w.) Median 0.12 0.13 0.15 - - -  
Max value 0.34 0.19 0.16 0.01 0.22 0.33 3.5
Sum dioxin + dl-PCBs (ng TEQ/kg w.w.) Median 0.32 0.37 0.33 - - -  
Max value 0.74 0.65 0.41 0.02 0.79 1.1 6.5
PCB-6 (µg/kg w.w.) Median 2.6 3.6 2.5 - - -  
Max value 5.7 5.1 3.9 0.12 6.6 8.2 75

Table 11. Median and maximum (Max value) concentrations of the sum of dioxins (ng TEQ/kg w.w.), sum of dioxin and dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs; ng TEQ/kg w.w.) and PCB-6 (µg/kg w.w.) in fillets of different farmed fish species in 2022. All concentrations are calculated as upper bound (UB). The EU maximum levels established for fish muscle are given in the last column.

 

3.3.2 - Group B3b, Organophosphorous compounds

Organophosphorous pesticide residues, chlorpyriphos, chlorpyriphos-methyl and pirimiphos-methyl, were determined in 197 pooled fillet samples, representing fillet of 985 fish (Table 12). No residues of chlorpyriphos or chlorpyriphos-methyl were detected in any of the samples. Pirimiphos-methyl was detected in 5 of 178 samples of Atlantic salmon. The maximum concentration was 0.60 µg pirimiphos-methyl/kg w.w.. There is currently no MRL established for pirimiphos-methyl in fish fillet (EU, 2014). No residues were detected in samples of rainbow trout, Arctic char, Atlantic cod or Atlantic halibut.

Compound Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Arctic char Atlantic cod Atlantic halibut

LOQ

(µg/kg w.w.)

  n 178 15 2 1 1  
Chlorpyriphos n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.020-0.041
Chlorpyriphos-methyl n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.10-0.21
Pirimiphos-methyl n >LOQ  5 0 0 0 0  
Max value 0.60 LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.10-0.21

Table 12. Residues of organophosphorous compounds (µg/kg w.w.) in fillets of different species of farmed fish. The table shows the number of samples analysed in 2022 per species, number of samples above LOQ (n >LOQ) and the maximum measured value (Max value). Where none of the samples had values above LOQ, the maximum value was set at LOQ. Method LOQs for the different compounds are given in the last column.


3.3.3 - Group B3c, Chemical elements

In 2022, monitoring of the levels of chemical elements, such as arsenic (and inorganic arsenic), total mercury in addition to methylmercury, cadmium, lead included 71 samples of Atlantic salmon, 5 samples of rainbow trout, 2 samples of Atlantic cod, one sample of turbot and one sample of Arctic char (Table 13). Mono-, di- and tributyltin were analyzed in 54 samples of Atlantic salmon, 5 samples of rainbow trout, 2 samples of Atlantic cod and one sample of Arctic char.

The concentrations of total mercury were found below the EU maximum level, which is set at 0.50 mg/kg w.w. for these species. The highest concentrations of total mercury were 0.06 mg/kg w.w. in salmon, and 0.08 mg/kg w.w. in Atlantic cod (Table 13). Mercury was mainly present as methylmercury, which was assessed in 21 samples of Atlantic salmon (Table 14).

Element   Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Atlantic cod Turbot Arctic char LOQ EU ML
  n 70 1 5 2 1 2    

Total Mercury

(mg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  71 5 2 1 2    
Median 0.014 0.016 0.063 - 0.022    
Max value 0.060 0.069 0.081 0.071 0.024 0.001-0.002 0.50

Total Arsenic

(mg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  71 5 2 1 2    
Median 0.60 0.65 1.4 - 1.7    
Max value 2.1 1.3 1.8 3.4 1.9 0.002-0.003 n.a.

Cadmium

(mg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  0 0 0 1 0    
Median - - - - -    
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.0029 LOQ 0.001-0.002 0.05

Lead

(mg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  1 0 0 0 0    
Median - - - - -    
Max value 0.022 LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.005-0.01 0.30

Cobalt

(mg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0    
Median - - - - -    
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.005-0.01 n.a.

Chromium

(mg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  13 0 0 0 2    
Median - - - - 0.031    
Max value 0.087 LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.054 0.006-0.01 n.a.

Copper

(mg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  70 5 2 1 2    
Median 0.39 0.34 0.19 - 0.41    
Max value 0.90 0.46 0.20 0.19 0.48 0.10 n.a.

Iron

(mg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  70 5 2 1 2    
Median 2.8 2.5 0.85 - 2.5    
Max value 4.0 3.2 0.87 0.57 3.0 0.10 n.a.

Manganese

(mg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  70 5 2 1 2    
Median 0.078 0.071 0.13 - 0.066    
Max value 0.35 0.075 0.16 0.34 0.070 0.030 n.a.

Molybdenum

(mg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0    
Median - - - - -    
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.02-0.04 n.a.

Nickel

(mg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0    
Median - - - - -    
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.06-0.1 n.a.

Selenium

(mg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  71 5 2 1 2    
Median 0.17 0.28 0.26 - 0.24    
Max value 0.39 0.30 0.28 0.20 0.25 0.01 n.a.

Silver

(mg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  8 2 0 0 0    
Median - - - - -    
Max value 0.014 0.004 LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.002-0.004 n.a.

Vanadium

(mg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  18 0 0 0 0    
Median - - - - -    
Max value 0.016 LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.001-0.002 n.a.

Zinc

(mg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  70 5 2 1 2    
Median 3.9 3.8 4.3 - 4.6    
Max value 5.0 4.4 4.5 8.0 4.8 0.5 n.a.
  n 21            

Inorganic arsenic

(µg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  0          
Median -            
Max value LOQ         2-3  

1 As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Se: 71 analysed samples

Table 13. Chemical elements (mg/kg w.w.) in fillets of different farmed fish species. The table shows the number of samples analysed, number of samples with values above LOQ (n>LOQ), the median, and the maximum concentration measured (Max value). The median was calculated as upper bound, when more 50% of the samples had values above LOQ. Where none of the samples had values above LOQ, the maximum value was set at LOQ.

 

Cadmium in all Atlantic salmon samples, Atlantic cod, Arctic char and rainbow trout samples was below the LOQ. Only one sample of turbot had cadmium at a level of 0.003 mg/kg w.w. in the fillet which is well below the EUs maximum level of 0.05 mg/kg w.w. (Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006).

Arsenic is determined as “total arsenic”, comprising the sum of all arsenic species. In addition, inorganic arsenic was analyzed in 21 of the Atlantic salmon samples. The median level of total arsenic in Atlantic salmon was 0.60 mg/kg w.w., and, same as in the previous year, the highest concentration measured was 2.1 mg/kg w.w. (Table 13). The median and maximum concentration of Arsenic in rainbow trout samples were 0.65 and 1.3 mg/kg w.w respectively. The concentrations of inorganic arsenic were below the LOQ in all samples measured (Table 13). In addition to total arsenic and inorganic arsenic, in 2022, the levels of 6 organo-arsenic compounds were measured in 10 salmon samples (Table 14). There is currently no EU upper limit for arsenic in fish fillets.

Lead was determined only in one sample of Atlantic salmon (0.02) and in remaining samples of Atlantic salmon, all samples of rainbow trout, Atlantic cod, Arctic char and turbot the concentration of lead was below LOQ and well below the EU maximum level, which is currently set at 0.30 mg/kg w.w. in muscle meat of fish (Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006).

Eleven additional chemical elements were analyzed in addition to the above-mentioned elements. There is currently no EU-limit established for any of these elements. Copper, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc were found at levels above LOQ in all samples analyzed (Table 13), with median values similar to the year before. The maximum concentrations among all 81 samples were 0.9 mg copper/kg, 4.0 mg iron/kg, 0.35 mg manganese/kg, 0.71 mg selenium/kg and 8.0 mg zinc/kg, respectively. The maximum concentration of selenium in Atlantic salmon was higher than previous year (0.28 mg/kg w.w.). Cobalt and nickel were not detected in any of the analyzed samples. Chromium and vanadium were detected in 15 and 18 out of 81 samples, respectively. The highest concentrations were 0.087 mg chromium/kg and 0.016 mg vanadium/kg (both salmon) in 2022.

Mono-, di- and tributyltin were monitored in a total of 62 pooled fillet samples of Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, Atlantic cod and Arctic char. There is currently no EU upper limit for tin in fish fillet. Monobutyltin was found at levels above LOQ in 9 samples, with the maximum concentrations of 1 µg/kg w.w. and 0.7 µg/kg w.w. in salmon and rainbow trout, respectively. Concentration of dibutyltin was bellow LOQ (0.2 µg/kg w.w.) in all samples except one sample of Atlantic salmon which contained 0.1 µg/kg w.w. A total of 16 samples contained tributyltin above the LOQ, with the highest measured level of 0.2 µg/kg w.w. found in both Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout (median 0.2 µg/kg w.w.).


Element   Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Atlantic cod Arctic char LOQ EU ML
  n 21          
Methyl-mercury (mgHg/kg w.w.) n >LOQ  21          
Median 0.013          
Max value 0.061       0.001 n.a.
  n 10          
Arsenobetaine (mg/kg w.w.) n >LOQ  10          
Median 0.3          
Max value 0.6       0.004 n.a.
Arsenocholine (mg/kg w.w.) n >LOQ  0          
Median -          
Max value LOQ       0.3 n.a.
Dimethylarsinate (mg/kg w.w.) n >LOQ  10          
Median 0.008          
Max value 0.01       0.001 n.a.
Tetramethyl Arsonium Ion (mg/kg w.w.)  n >LOQ  0          
Median -          
Max value LOQ       0.003-0.004 n.a.
Trimethylarsine oxide (mg/kg w.w.) n >LOQ  1          
Median -          
Max value 0.001       0.001-0.002 n.a.

Trimethylarsoniopropionate

(mg/kg w.w.)

n >LOQ  0          
Median -          
Max value LOQ       0.0009-0.001 n.a.
  n 54 5 2 1    
Monobutyltin (µg Sn/kg w.w.) n >LOQ  8 1 0 0    
Median - - - -    
Max value 1.0 0.7 LOQ LOQ 0.4-0.5 n.a.
Dibutyltin (µg Sn/kg w.w.) n >LOQ  1 0 0 0    
Median - - - -    
Max value 0.1 LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.2-0.5 n.a.
Tributyltin (µg Sn/kg w.w.) n >LOQ  12 4 0 0    
Median - 0.1 - -    
Max value 0.2 0.2 LOQ LOQ 0.06-0.09 n.a.

Table 14. Organic metal compounds (mg/kg w.w.) in fillets of different farmed fish species. The table shows the number of samples analysed per species, number of samples with values above LOQ (n > LOQ), the median, and the maximum concentration measured (Max value). The median was calculated as upper bound, when more 50% of the samples had values above LOQ. Where none of the samples had values above LOQ, the maximum value was set at LOQ.


3.3.4 - Group B3d, Mycotoxins

Toxins produced by mould, also known as mycotoxins, have long been a known risk in human food and land animal feed. However, as a changing climate promotes unfavourable storage conditions and the portion of plant-based ingredients in fish feed has increased over the past decades, these toxins are becoming more common in fish feed as well. This presents challenges to the health of farmed fish on the one hand, on the other hand occurrence and accumulation of mycotoxins in edible tissues of farmed fish need to be monitored to ensure food safety. The mycotoxins enniatin A, enniatin A1, enniatin B, enniatin B1 and beauvericin have been monitored regularly in fillet samples of farmed fish as part of the monitoring programme. In 2022, 100 pooled fillet samples were measured. No residues of these mycotoxins were detected in any of the samples (Table 15).

Mycotoxins Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Brown trout Arctic char Atlantic cod

LOQ

(μg/kg w.w.)

n 86 10 1 1 2  
Beauvericin n >LOQ  0 10
Enniatin A  n >LOQ  0 10
Enniatin A1  n >LOQ  0 10
Enniatin B  n >LOQ  0 10
Enniatin B1  n >LOQ  0 10

Table 15. Mycotoxins in fillets of different farmed fish species (µg/kg w.w.). The table shows the number of samples analysed per species, number of samples with values above LOQ (n >LOQ), and method LOQs for beauvericin and enniatin.

 

3.3.5 - Group B3f, others

The group “B3f, others” is a group not required for finfish products by Regulation (EU) 2017/625, but are deemed relevant for analyses in Norwegian aquaculture fish by the NFSA and IMR, because these undesirable compounds are present in the environment and may affect food safety. The monitoring program currently includes brominated flame retardants (BFR), perfluorinated compounds (PFC), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and since 2018 also the technological feed additive ethoxyquin (EQ) and its main transformation product ethoxyquin dimer (EQDM) under this group.

3.3.5.1 - Brominated flame retardants

PBDEs were measured in 107 pooled fillet samples (Table 16) . HBCD and TBBPA were analysed in in 100 pooled fillet samples (Table 17). There is currently no EU maximum limit for BFRs in food.

  Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Arctic char Atlantic cod Atlantic halibut Turbot LOQ
PBDE n 98 4 2 1 1 1  
PBDE 28 n >LOQ  98 4 2 0 1 1  
Median 0.0082 0.0098 0.012 - - -  
Max value 0.030 0.012 0.020 LOQ 0.021 0.014 0.00052-0026
PBDE 35 n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.0010-0.0052
PBDE 47 n >LOQ  98 4 2 1 1 1  
Median 0.13 0.17 0.15 - - -  
Max value 0.29 0.25 0.24 0.0053 0.41 0.26 0.0042-0.021
PBDE 49 n >LOQ  98 4 2 1 1 1  
Median 0.038 0.052 0.031 - - -  
Max value 0.11 0.064 0.051 0.0023 0.11 0.077 0.0010-0.0052
PBDE 66 n >LOQ  71 4 2 0 1 1  
Median 0.0052 0.0066 0.0064 - - -  
Max value 0.014 0.011 0.010 LOQ 0.019 0.013 0.0010-0.0052
PBDE 71 n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.00052-0026
PBDE 75 n >LOQ  87 2 2 0 1 1  
Median 0.0043 - 0.0034 - - -  
Max value 0.020 0.0070 0.0052 LOQ 0.0082 0.0082 0.00052-0026
PBDE 77 n >LOQ  1 0 0 0 0 1  
Median - - - - - -  
Max value 0.0092 LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.0060 0.0065-0.011
PBDE 85 n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.0010-0.052
PBDE 99 n >LOQ  98 4 2 0 1 1  
Median 0.023 0.025 0.033 - - -  
Max value 0.052 0.046 0.056 LOQ 0.072 0.036 0.0021-0.010
PBDE 100 n >LOQ  98 4 2 0 1 1  
Median 0.033 0.047 0.025 - - -  
Max value 0.084 0.068 0.034 LOQ 0.10 0.072 0.0021-0.010
PBDE 118 n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.0021-0.010
PBDE 119 n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 1 1  
Median - - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.0071 0.0037 0.0010-0.0052
PBDE 138 n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.0021-0.010
PBDE 153 n >LOQ  5 2 0 0 1 1  
Median - - - - - -  
Max value 0.012 0.016 LOQ LOQ 0.023 0.011 0.0021-0.010
PBDE 154 n >LOQ  96 4 2 0 1 1  
Median 0.022 0.036 0.016 - - -  
Max value 0.055 0.069 0.020 LOQ 0.074 0.047 0.0021-0.010
PBDE 183 n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.0021-0.010
PBDE 196 n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.00052-0026
PBDE 197 n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.0031-0.015
PBDE 206 n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.0031-0.015
PBDE 207 n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - - -  
Max value LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.0031-0.015
PBDE 209 n >LOQ  4 0 1 0 0 0  
Median - - - - - -  
Max value 0.077 LOQ 0.12 LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.0042-0.021

Table 16. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (μg/kg w.w) in fillets of different farmed fish species. The table shows the number of samples analysed per species, number of samples with values above LOQ (n > LOQ), the median and the maximum concentration measured (Max value). The median was calculated as upper bound, when more 50% of the samples had values above LOQ. Where none of the samples had values above LOQ, the maximum value was set at LOQ. Method LOQs are given in the last column.

  Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Atlantic cod Artic char Spotted wolffish LOQ
  n 88 8 2 1 1  
TBBPA n >LOQ  7 0 0 0 0  
Median - - - - -  
Max value 0.67 LOQ LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.04- 0.18
alpha-HBCD n >LOQ  81 7 0 1 1  
Median 0.035 0.040 - - -  
Max value 0.23 0.11 LOQ 0.18 0.035 0.015- 0.032
beta-HBCD n >LOQ  7 0 0 1 0  
Median - - - - -  
Max value 0.025 LOQ LOQ 0.025 LOQ 0.006- 0.028
gamma-HBCD n >LOQ  18 1 0 0 0  
Median - - - - -  
Max value 0.041 0.0073 LOQ LOQ LOQ 0.006- 0.028

 

Table 17. Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) (μg/kg w.w.) in fillets of different farmed fish species. The table shows the number of samples analysed per species, number of samples with values above LOQ (n > LOQ), the median, and the maximum concentration measured (Max value). The median was calculated as upper bound, when more 50% of the samples had values above LOQ. Where none of the samples had values above LOQ, the maximum value was set at LOQ. Method LOQs are given in the last column.

 

3.3.5.2 - Perfluorinated compounds

The results for the analysis of perflourinated compounds (PFAS) are presented in Table 18. There were no MLs for perfluorinated compounds for 2022. However, MLs have been established for PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and the sum of PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PFHxS from the 1st of January 2023.

  Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Brown trout Atlantic cod Atlantic Halibut LOQ
  n 101 6 1 1 1  
PFBA* n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 1
PFBS n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 1
PFDA n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.2
PFDoDA n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.2
PFDS n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.2
PFHpA n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.2
PFHxA n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.5
PFHxS n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 1
PFNA n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.2
PFOA n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.6
PFOS n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 1  
Max value - - - - 0.4 0.2
PFOSA n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - 0 0.5
PFTeDA n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 -  
Max value - - - - 0 0.2
PFTrDA n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 -  
Max value - - - - 0 0.2
PFUdA n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 -  
Max value - - - - 0 0.2

*Two samples from Atlantic salmon are lacking results

Table 18. Perfluorinated compounds (µg/kg w.w.) in fillets of different farmed fish species. The table shows the number of samples analysed per species, number of samples with values above LOQ (n > LOQ), and the maximum concentration measured (Max value) of different perfluorinated compounds.

 

3.3.5.3 - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

The results for PAH are summarised in Table 19. There is no maximum limit for PAH in fresh fish (Commission regulation (EU) No 835/2011).

PAH Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Brown trout Atlantic cod Atlantic halibut LOQ
  n 89 6 1 1 1  
5-methylchrysene n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.02 - 0.13
Benz(a)anthracene n >LOQ  3 1 0 1 0  
Max value 0.44 0.48 - 0.087 - 0.065 – 0.12
Benzo(a)pyrene n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.02 - 0.13
Benzo(b)fluoranthene n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.02 - 0.13
Benzo(c)fluorine n >LOQ  1 0 0 0 0  
Max value 0.13 - - - - 0.02 - 0.13
Benzo(ghi)perylene n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.02 - 0.13
Benzo(j)fluoranthene n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.02 - 0.13
Benzo(k)fluoranthene n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.02 - 0.13
Chrysene n >LOQ  12 1 0 1 0  
Max value 0.76 0.73 - 0.14 - 0.065 – 0.13
Cyclopenta(cd)pyrene n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.02 - 0.13
Dibenz(ah)anthracene n >LOQ  5 0 0 0 0  
Max value 0.43 - - - - 0.02 - 0.13
Dibenzo(a,e)pyrene n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.09-0.70
Dibenzo(a,h)pyrene n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.09-0.70
Dibenzo(a,i)pyrene n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.09-0.70
Dibenzo(a,l)pyrene n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.09-0.70
Indeno(1,2,3,-cd)pyrene n >LOQ  0 0 0 0 0  
Max value - - - - - 0.02 - 0.13

Table 19. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (µg/kg w.w.) in fillets of different farmed fish species. The table shows the number of samples analysed per species, number of samples with values above LOQ (n >LOQ), and the maximum concentration measured (Max value) of different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds. Method LOQs are given in the last column.

 

3.3.5.4 - Ethoxyquin

Ethoxyquin (EQ) and ethoxyquin dimer (EQDM) levels were measured in a total of 69 pooled samples (Table 20) from Atlantic salmon (57 samples), rainbow trout (7 samples), Atlantic cod (2 samples), Atlantic char (2 samples) and turbot (1 sample). None of the samples contained EQ or EQDM at levels above the LOQs.

  Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Atlantic cod Arctic char Turbot

LOQ

(mg/kg w.w.)

n 57 7 2 2 1  
Ethoxyquin n >LOQ  0 0.001
Ethoxyquin dimer n >LOQ  0 0.005

Table 20. Ethoxyquin and ethoxyquin dimer (mg/kg w.w.) in fillets of different farmed fish species. The table shows the number of samples analysed per species, and the number of samples with values above LOQ (n > LOQ). Method LOQs are given in the last column.

4 - Conclusions

No residues of substances with anabolic effect or unauthorized substances were detected in any of the samples analysed.

Residues of the authorized anti-sea-lice agents emamectin, lufenuron and imidacloprid were detected, in addition cypermethrin and deltamethrin, which can be used both as anti-sealice agents and plant protection agent was found. However, the concentrations for all of the residues were well below the respective MRLs for the compounds.

As for the previous years, no residues of antibiotics, endoparasitic agents or sedatives were detected in any of the samples.

For contaminants, none of the samples exceeded the EUs maximum levels, where such levels have been established (sum dioxins, sum dioxins and dl-PCBs, PCB-6, mercury, lead and cadmium).

5 - References

Commission Decision 2003/181/EC of 13 March 2003 amending Decision 2002/657/EC as regards the setting of minimum required performance limits (MRPLs) for certain residues in food of animal origin.

Commission regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 of 19 December 2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs.

Commission regulation (EU) No 835/2011 of 19 August 2011 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in foodstuffs.

Commission Regulation (EU) No. 37/2010 on pharmacologically active substances and their classification regarding maximum residue limits in foodstuffs of animal origin.

Commission Regulation (EU) No. 1259/2011 amending Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels for dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs and non dioxin-like PCBs in foodstuffs.

CRL (2007). CRL guidance paper (7 december 2007) CRLs view on state of the art analytical methods for national residue control plans.

EFSA (2015). Review of the existing maximum residue levels for deltamethrin according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. EFSA Journal, 13(11), 4309. doi: https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4309

EFSA (2023). Review of the existing maximum residue levels for cypermethrins according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. EFSA Journal, 21(3), e07800. doi: https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7800

EU (2014). EU Pesticides Database - European Commission. https://food.ec.europa.eu/plants/pesticides/eu-pesticides-database_en. Accessed: 27.04.2023.

EU DG SANTE (2017). SANTE/11813/2017. Guidance document on analytical quality control and method validation procedures for pesticide residues and analysis in food and feed. Implemented by 01/01/2018.

Commission decision of 22 December 2003 amending Decision 2002/657/EC as regards the setting of minimum required performance limits (MRPLs) for certain residues in food of animal origin, (2003).

Johnsen, C. A., Hagen, Ø., Adler, M., Jönsson, E., Kling, P., Bickerdike, R., . . . Bendiksen, E. Å. (2011). Effects of feed, feeding regime and growth rate on flesh quality, connective tissue and plasma hormones in farmed Atlantic salmon Salmo salar Aquaculture, 318, 343-354.

Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products, amending Regulations (EC) No 999/2001, (EC) No 96/2005, (EC) No 1069/2009, (EC) No 1107/2009, (EU) No 1151/2012, (EU) No 652/2014, (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Regulations (EC) No 1/2005 and (EC) No 1099/2009 and Council Directives 98/58/EC, 1999/74/EC, 2007/43/EC, 2008/119/EC and 2008/120/EC, and repealing Regulations (EC) No 854/2004 and (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 89/608/EEC, 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC, 91/496/EEC, 96/23/EC, 96/93/EC and 97/78/EC and Council Decision 92/438/EEC (Official Controls Regulation).

Van den Berg, M., Birnbaum, L. S., Denison, M., De Vito, M., Farland, W., Feeley, M., . . . Peterson, R. E. (2006). The 2005 World Health Organization reevaluation of human and Mammalian toxic equivalency factors for dioxins and dioxin-like compounds. Toxicological sciences: an official journal of the Society of Toxicology, 93(2), 223-241. doi:10.1093/toxsci/kfl055

6 - Appendix

Sum Substances included in the sum Conversion factor
DDT ( sum of p,p-DDT, o,p-DDT, p,p-DDD, o,p-DDD, p,p-DDE,and o,p-DDE expressed as DDT) op-DDT 1
pp-DDT 1
op-DDD 1.108
pp-DDD 1.108
op-DDE 1.115
pp-DDE 1.115
DDT (sum of p,p´-DDT, o,p´-DDT, p-p´-DDE and p,p´-DDD expressed as DDT) 1 op-DDT 1
pp-DDT 1
pp-DDD 1.108
pp-DDE 1.115
Endosulfan (sum of alpha- and beta-isomers and endosulfan-sulphate expressed as endosulfan) 2 alpha-endosulfan 1
beta-endosulfan 1
endosulfan sulphate 0.962
Aldrin and dieldrin (Aldrin and dieldrin combined expressed as dieldrin) 3 dieldrin 1
aldrin 1.044
Chlordane (sum of cis- and trans-isomers and oxychlordane expressed as chlordane) trans-chlordane 1
cis-chlordane 1
oxychlordane 0.967
Chlordane (sum of cis- and trans-chlordane) 1 trans-chlordane 1
cis-chlordane 1
Heptachlor ( sum of heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide expressed as heptachlor) 1 heptachlor 1
trans-heptachlor epoxide 0.959
cis-heptachlor epoxide 0.959
Toxaphene ( sum of Parlar No 26, Parlar No 50 and Parlar No 62) 4 Toxaphene 26 1
Toxaphene 50 1
Toxaphene 62 1
Table A 1 . Calculations of sums for certain pesticides based on molecular weights according to EU DG SANTE (2017).

1 Legal residue definition according to Reg. (EC) No 149/2008.

2 Legal residue definition according to Reg. (EU) No 310/2011.

3 Legal residue definition according to Reg. (EC) No 839/2008.

4 Legal residue definition according to Reg. (EU) 2015/868; Campechlor (Toxaphene).