Monitoring programme for pharmaceuticals, illegal substances, contaminants and microbiology in aquatic products imported to Norway from third countries - Annual report for 2023

Abstract

This report summarises results from the ongoing monitoring programme for veterinary border control on aquatic products imported to Norway from countries outside the EU and the European Economic Area in 2023. Samples were collected by personnel at the Norwegian Border Inspection Posts (BIP). The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) carried out the analytical work on behalf of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA). We want to thank NFSA for good cooperation during the conduct of this monitoring programme. A risk assessment for different groups of imported products formed the basis for the selection of analytical activities, where current trend of hazards, as reported in The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) notification system and the compositional nature of the products and origin formed an up-to-date basis for the risk assessment. A total of 114 seafood samples, were examined by a selection of analytical methods and assays for microorganisms and undesirable chemical substances. Selected microbiological analyses were performed on 95 of the samples. Undesirable trace elements were measured in 12 samples, and persistent organic pollutants were measured in 21 samples. Analyses of residues of authorised veterinary and unauthorised and prohibited substances was performed in two samples. Histamine was examined in a selection of seven relevant samples.

Monitoring programme for pharmaceuticals, illegal substances, contaminants and microbiology in aquatic products imported to Norway from third countries - Annual report for 2023