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Major Scam in Norway. Media Reveal the "Salmon Scandal"
The most important export market for Norwegian salmon is Poland. Fot. pxhere.com (zdjęcie poglądowe)
NRK gained access to a European factory where deliveries of Norwegian farmed salmon with wounds and skin damage were discovered. According to Norwegian regulations, such products are not allowed to leave the country. Yet, fish labeled as top quality are reaching processing plants across Europe. Journalists witnessed the opening of packages containing fish with visible disease symptoms.
During a visit to one of the factories in Europe, NRK reporters observed workers opening successive shipments from Norway. At first glance, the contents of the crates looked fine, but upon closer inspection, many fish had wounds and skin damage.
Such batches come from various Norwegian facilities—both large and small. The factory agreed to the journalists' presence only on the condition of complete anonymity, fearing the loss of suppliers.
Such batches come from various Norwegian facilities—both large and small. The factory agreed to the journalists' presence only on the condition of complete anonymity, fearing the loss of suppliers.
A Luxury Product with Hidden Flaws
According to NRK, almost every randomly checked crate contained fish with wounds or deformities, even though they were labeled as "superior" or "standard." Factory workers admit that a decade ago, such cases were rare. Now, the problem occurs in nearly every delivery.
Exporting wounded salmon is illegal in Norway, and such fish should be processed locally in certified facilities. Industry organizations such as Sjømat Norge and Sjømatbedriftene are calling for decisive action against dishonest entities that break the law and negatively impact the sector's reputation.
Exporting wounded salmon is illegal in Norway, and such fish should be processed locally in certified facilities. Industry organizations such as Sjømat Norge and Sjømatbedriftene are calling for decisive action against dishonest entities that break the law and negatively impact the sector's reputation.
In 2024, Norway exported approximately 1,255,654 tons of farmed salmon, worth NOK 122.9 billion.Photo: Canva (illustrative image)
Authorities and Regulatory Bodies Respond
Mattilsynet, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, confirmed that last year's inspections revealed irregularities in half of the facilities checked. Cases were identified where fish were exported that should not have left the country.
Officials emphasize that although this does not pose a risk to consumer health, it damages the quality and image of Norwegian exports. In extreme cases, it may be considered a form of organized legal violation.
Officials emphasize that although this does not pose a risk to consumer health, it damages the quality and image of Norwegian exports. In extreme cases, it may be considered a form of organized legal violation.
Industry Under Reputational Pressure
Norwegian salmon exports reached NOK 123 billion in 2024, making aquaculture the country's second-largest export sector. Further abuses could lead to significant tax and financial losses.
Fish industry experts point out that declining quality of Norwegian salmon could result in a loss of trust among importers and customers across Europe. This could have a long-term impact on the reputation of Norway's marine industry and its position in the global market.
Fish industry experts point out that declining quality of Norwegian salmon could result in a loss of trust among importers and customers across Europe. This could have a long-term impact on the reputation of Norway's marine industry and its position in the global market.
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