The Norwegian Food Safety Authority is an independent supervisory body appointed by the Norwegian authorities with responsibility for drawing up food regulations to ensure healthy food. Its decisions are based on scientifically based risk assessment made by the VKM and the EU’s food safety body EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). It is also the responsibility of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority to evaluate and implement the EU’s food regulations in Norway.
The National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES) is responsible for monitoring the presence of undesirable substances in seafood and for research into their significance for fish well-being and the health of the consumer. NIFES also provides risk assessment and advisory services related to risk management for the food authorities.
The National Veterinary Institute supplies research-based management support in microbiological seafood safety and supplementary support concerning foreign substances in seafood.
All producers or wholesalers of food are required to comply in full with the current regulations and are under the supervision of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. As part of the HACCP-based Own Check Routines, each seafood processing plant is required to establish and maintain procedures to ensure microbiologically safe products. This includes documentation of hygienic production and proper disinfection routines, as well as the monitoring of relevant bacteria on the premises and in the products. Should unacceptable levels of microorganisms be found in seafood products the consignments would not be accepted for distribution.