Testing of imported seafood in Norway has found all samples were compliant with the regulations. Findings come from a report with results on the monitoring program for veterinary border control on aquatic products imported to Norway from countries outside the EU and the European Economic Area in 2023. Staff at Norwegian Border Inspection Posts collected samples.
The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) conducted analytical work on behalf of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet). One hundred fourteen seafood samples were examined using different analytical methods and assays for microorganisms, illegal substances, and environmental toxins. Sampling targeted hazards associated with different products and took into account import volumes, the compositional nature of products, results from previous monitoring, the geographical origin of samples, and information in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF).
Highlighted results All 95 samples analyzed for potential pathogenic and spoilage bacteria complied with the regulations. Listeria monocytogenes was detected qualitatively in one of 49 samples analyzed. The quantitative analysis found the level below the detection limit of 10 colony-forming units per gram.
The sample consisted of breaded cod imported from Great Britain, and as this product was not intended to be consumed without further heat treatment, it was judged to be compliant with EU rules. Four samples of fresh eastern oysters from Canada were positive f.