Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004
156 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he intends to take to ensure the safety of Irish farmed salmon following the publication of a number of reports raising concerns regarding possible contamination of farmed salmon; the steps being taken to reassure consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5820/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been a number of recent reports on the potential risk from environmental contaminants, such as dioxins, to the consumer of farmed salmon. Most recently, a paper in the journal Science received media attention. Measures are in place and further steps are being taken to ensure consumers are not exposed to an unacceptable risk from eating farmed salmon.
Persistent organic pollutants, of which dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs are examples, are widespread in the environment. Due to measures taken at international level, to which Ireland is a party, levels of dioxins, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides are decreasing in the environment. However, they are still found in fish due to their persistence and due to accumulation in fish tissue.
The Marine Institute carries out surveillance monitoring for residues in Irish aquaculture in accordance with Directive 96/23/EC on behalf of the Department. This includes routine surveillance of environmental contaminants, such as trace metals, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides in farmed salmon. Since monitoring commenced in 1999, the levels of these contaminants have been well below available standards in all 485 samples.
In 2001, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI, with the assistance of the Marine Institute, carried out an investigation into the levels of dioxins and PCBs, including "dioxin-like" PCBs, in farmed salmon and trout and wild salmon. The FSAI concluded that levels of dioxins were well below the EU maximum limits and on average less than 25% of the limit. There are no current EU maximum limits for PCBs in food, but the European Commission is working towards proposals for maximum limits for PCBs and "dioxin-like" PCBs. The FSAI, the Marine Institute and BIM are carrying out another collaborative survey of persistent organic contaminant levels in farmed fish this year. The results of this study will be used to provide an updated assessment of any possible health significance of the levels of these contaminants in Irish farmed salmon. Oily fish play an essential role in a balanced nutritious diet, as they are an important source of omega-3 fatty acids. The FSAI advises that consumers eat one to two portions of fish per week, including one portion of oily fish such as salmon.
The EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, David Byrne, has reacted to the recent Science study. He highlights that the study did not raise new food safety issues and that the data was consistent with results from other surveys, but that that did not mean the presence of these contaminants is not a cause for concern. He points to the “comprehensive strategy adopted by the European Commission in 2001 to reduce the presence of dioxins and PCBs in the environment, feed and in food.” The pesticides mentioned in the Science study have long been prohibited in the EU. Commissioner Byrne concluded that “fish, be it farmed or wild, has its place in a well balanced diet to ensure consumers continue to benefit from its positive health effects.” Notwithstanding the aquaculture industry has indicated its willingness to review, with relevant State agencies, mechanisms for reducing the level of these contaminants in farmed fish.
