In Norway, seafood is monitored and several monitoring programmes for feeds, fish and other seafood are carried out each year. This is done, for example, to establish the presence of undesirable substances, pathogenic agents, certain bacteria and algae toxins in shellfish.
Much research activity also relates to the transfer of undesirable substances from feed to fish, and to the significance of undesirables for fish wellbeing and human health.
This research and surveillance activity forms the basis of the risk assessments made by the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM) in relation to seafood. The risk assessments are made on an independent basis and applying internationally established methods. VKM is appointed by the Ministry of Health and Care Services.
Who does what?
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority is an independent supervisory body appointed by the Norwegian authorities with responsibility for drawing up food regulations. Its decisions are based on scientifically founded risk assessments made by VKM and the EU’s food safety body EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). It is also the function 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 on their significance for fish wellbeing 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, plus supplementary support concerning foreign substances in seafood.
Last update 8 March 2010