Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative) on Tuesday, 29 October 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 November 2024. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Friday, 15 November 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Salmon: Fish Farming

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the risks of human consumption of salmon bred and farmed within UK waters.

Answer: Fish and fishery products farmed for consumption in the UK must meet the requirements of food hygiene and contaminants and residues legislation. Responsibility for verifying food business operators comply with the legislation is delegated to Local Authorities who carry out official controls. The Veterinary Medicine Directorate’s National Statutory Surveillance plan monitors residues of veterinary medicines, prohibited substances, and various contaminants in products of animal origin, including farmed salmon. The Food Standards Agency is not aware of any evidence to indicate that fish farmed in the UK are unsafe to eat.

Secondary information