Norwegian farmed fish meet EU safety standards amid gut health research

The Institute of Marine Research (HI) reported that no exceedances of EU limit values for medicines or environmental toxins were found in Norwegian farmed fish during 2025 monitoring. Analyzing nearly 2,000 fillet samples, including salmon, trout, halibut, and cod, the study found no indications of illegal substance use. While traces of the delousing agents cypermethrin and deltamethrin were detected in some samples, all levels remained below maximum legal limits. Researchers noted that cypermethrin traces likely originated from feed rather than direct medicinal use.

In related biological research, the Norwegian Veterinary Institute has studied the gut microbiota of Atlantic salmon across Norway, Scotland, and Ireland. The findings indicate that farmed salmon possess a lower bacterial diversity compared to wild salmon. While the bacteria in farmed salmon are more specialized for cage environments, researchers warn that reduced microbial diversity may lead to weaker immune systems and increased vulnerability to disease, potentially impacting the sustainability of the aquaculture industry.