Is Salmon Banned in Other Countries? A Look at the Controversy Surrounding Farmed Salmon

Salmon is a popular and nutritious fish enjoyed around the world However, you may have heard conflicting reports about whether farmed salmon is banned in some countries. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the controversy and regulations surrounding farmed salmon globally.

Why Some Countries Have Banned or Restricted Farmed Salmon

Wild salmon is still available all over the world, but farmed salmon has been closely watched and banned in some countries because:

• When salmon are raised in farms, they are fed synthetic astaxanthin and canthaxanthin to make them pink because they don’t eat the pink-colored prey that wild salmon do. There are concerns over the safety of these synthetic pigments.

• Contaminants – Farmed salmon have been shown to have higher levels of contaminants like PCBs, dioxins, and other pesticides compared to wild salmon. These pollutants can accumulate in fatty fish tissue.

• Antibiotic Use – Antibiotics are commonly used in salmon farming to prevent disease, This has raised concerns over antimicrobial resistance

• Ecological Impacts – Large open salmon farms hold over 100000 fish in tight quarters, risking disease outbreaks and sea lice infestations. Farms have been criticized for releasing waste, chemicals, and non-native fish into the ocean.

Based on these concerns, here are some of the bans and restrictions on farmed salmon around the world:

• New Zealand – Has banned the importation of Atlantic salmon eggs since 2001 due to ecological concerns.

• Australia – Has banned the use of synthetic astaxanthin in salmon production since 2006.

• Russia – Banned Norwegian salmon imports from 2006 to 2010 over infectious disease concerns.

• U.S. – Some states like Alaska have banned certain salmon farming methods, like net pens, to minimize environmental risks and impacts on wild salmon.

Evaluating the Safety of Farmed Salmon

Farmed salmon remains a staple seafood globally, so how concerned should consumers be? Here are some key considerations when weighing the risks of farmed salmon:

• Benefits Still Outweigh Risks For Most – For most people, nutrition experts agree the benefits of salmon’s omega-3s still outweigh potential contaminant risks. Guidelines simply recommend limiting intake of high-risk groups like children and pregnant women.

• Risk Varies By Region – Environmental regulations, feeding regulations, and production methods vary greatly by region. In general, European operations follow stricter chemical and contaminant limits. U.S. farmed salmon is considered safe by FDA standards.

• Choosing Low-Risk Farm Sources – Seek out RAS (recirculating aquaculture systems), which feature advanced water filtration and treatment with no chemicals discharged. Look for the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification.

• Alternatives Like Trout or Char – For lower contaminant options, opt for rainbow trout or Arctic char farmed in the U.S. or Canada using eco-friendly, chemical-free methods.

While there are valid concerns over large-scale salmon aquaculture operations, following basic guidelines makes farmed salmon a low-risk choice overall for most people. Those especially worried can opt for wild-caught salmon or eco-certified farmed alternatives.

Current Salmon Farming Regulations and Practices

Here is a summary of some of the key regulations and production practices related to salmon farming:

• Use of Approved Additives Only – In the U.S., only FDA-approved color additives like astaxanthin can be used in feed in specific approved amounts. Antibiotic use is regulated and limited as well.

• Routine Testing for Contaminants – Farms face routine testing for chemicals, heavy metals, and pesticides. The FDA tests imported seafood as well. Most farmed salmon meet U.S. and EU contaminant limits.

• Maximum PCB Limits – The EPA and FDA have set maximum limits for PCBs and other contaminants in both wild and farmed seafood. PCBs have declined in farmed salmon over the past 20 years.

• Vaccinations Required – Salmon farms must vaccinate fish and meet aquatic health guidelines to prevent disease outbreaks. Waste discharges and movements are regulated as well.

• Improved Feed – Fishmeal and fish oil in feed have been cut in half over the last decade. Plant-based oils like soy reduce PCBs and metals. Additives like astaxanthin are now nature-identical to the wild version.

Making the Healthiest Salmon Choices

When weighing your salmon options, here are some tips to find the healthiest salmon available:

• Choose Wild Alaskan Salmon – Rich in omega-3s with very low contaminants, wild Alaskan salmon is your top choice. Opt for frozen to access salmon out of season.

• Pick Reputable Farms – For farmed, choose North American operations with eco-certifications like BAP. European farms also adhere to strict chemical limits. Check source information.

• See the Color – Naturally pink or red hues indicate less synthetic additives. White-fleshed wild salmon turn pink from their natural diet.

• Check Labels for Additives – Read labels to avoid questionable colorings, preservatives, or sodium content. Ask fishmongers about additives used.

• Limit Portions if High-Risk – Follow children and pregnancy salmon guidelines if you fall in a high-risk group and keep overall intake moderate.

While a few countries have specific bans against farmed salmon, current industry practices and regulations have eased many of the initial concerns. Following basic guidelines makes farmed salmon a healthy choice overall, though wild remains the gold standard. Stay informed on sourcing and production methods for the best salmon options.