Seafood imports to Norway from non-EU countries mostly safe

The majority of seafood products imported into Norway were compliant with food safety rules, according to a new report. The report summarizes the monitoring program for seafood imported to Norway from countries outside the European Union and the European Economic Area in 2020. Samples were collected at Norwegian border inspection posts and the Institute of Marine Research did the analytical work on behalf of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet). In total, 91 samples were examined for microorganisms and undesirable chemical substances. The coronavirus pandemic led to a decrease of seafood imports in 2020 and this was reflected by a reduced number of samples taken compared to 129 in 2019, according to the report. Testing findings In 2020, eight samples contained undesirable microorganisms or had trace elements or persistent organic pollutants (POPs) exceeding respective maximum levels. Sampling considered import volumes, results from previous monitoring, geographical ...