1. Norsk nynorsk

No freezing requirement for farmed Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout

It is safe to eat raw farmed Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout from Norway without prior freezing. Studies confirm that the parasite Anisakis is unlikely to be found in these species.

Last reviewed

Current regulations require that fishery products intended to be eaten raw or almost raw must undergo freezing to kill viable parasites that may be present in the product. Farmed salmon and rainbow trout are exempt from the freezing requirement.

Studies conducted by the Institute of Marine Research conclude that it is unlikely that farmed Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout contain Anisakis.  Reports from these studies support the conclusion by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) from 2010 and re- evaluation from 2024, based on monitoring data from several salmon producing countries, including Norway.

Farmed salmon and rainbow trout are exclusively fed on heat-treated dry feed, which does not contain any viable parasites. These species graze on wild organisms in the pen only to a very limited extent, which explains the absence of Anisakis. The risk of infection with larval anisakis is negligible unless changes in farming practices occur. 

Conditions for exemptions from the freezing requirement

The exemptions apply on the condition that:

  • fish are cultured from embryos and are fed exclusively throughout their whole life on a diet that cannot contain viable parasites.
  • food business operators must continuously assess and have routines ensuring that production systems do not present a health hazard regarding the presence of parasites
  • food business operators must report to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority any changes in the production system that may affect the presence of parasites

All findings of parasites in food intended to be consumed raw or almost raw, must be reported to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.

Other species and production systems

Fish that are farmed throughout their entire life cycle and exclusively fed feed that does not contain viable parasites may be exempt from the freezing requirement.

Fish that are exclusively reared in closed production systems with filtered water to prevent infection, are exempt from the freezing requirement.

For open production systems, only farmed salmon and rainbow trout have a general exemption from the freezing requirement. In addition, exemptions have been granted for farmed halibut where assessed. 

Information on compliance

When placing fish on the market, food business operators must prove that their fishery products originate from fish farming which complies with certain conditions. This is to ensure that their fishery products do not present any health hazard regarding live parasites. The information can be addressed in the commercial documents or by any other information following the actual fishery products.

Reports and guidelines

Here you will find reports and guidelines that are relevant to the requirements concerning parasites in fishery products intended to be eaten raw or nearly raw.