Farmed Salmon may Increase Your Cancer Risk

Scientists from the United States warn that farm-raised salmon have significantly higher levels of toxins, such as PCBs, than wild salmon. The most contaminated fish came from Scotland and the Faroe Islands, and researchers noted that concentrations of all contaminants were significantly higher among salmon farm-raised in Europe, as opposed to those farm-raised in North and South America.

Researchers studied farm-raised Atlantic salmon and examined the levels of 14 toxins that were likely to cause cancer in humans. Researchers found significantly higher levels of 13 toxins compared with wild pacific salmon.

The researchers conducted additional studies on four contaminants that are proven to be harmful to human health: PCBs, dioxins, toxaphene and dieldrin. Researchers found concentrations of these substances were consistently higher in farmed salmon than in wild fish.

Researchers are now advising people to consume no more than two ounces of Scottish farmed salmon each month. They also advise that people may want to avoid Atlantic salmon, which is virtually all farm raised, and seek out Alaskan king salmon or other wild salmon instead until new guidelines are developed.

Following the report, the United States refused entry to salmon from Scottish fish farms after U.S. after tests showed the batches were "unfit for human consumption." According to The Observer, "Last year 15 shipments of smoked salmon were turned away because they were contaminated with listeria. A further nine salmon shipments from Scotland were classified as 'insanitary'. According to the FDA, they 'may have become contaminated with filth' and 'may have been rendered injurious to health'. Three more salmon shipments were officially defined as filthy."

Reuters January 8, 2004

Science January 9, 2004;303(5655):226-9

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