Category: News

A new regulation on grayling called for new markets and processing methods that have been quite profitable and job-creating. Utilization has also improved significantly, but in Iceland only roe was used, which amounts to about 30% of the total weight of the fish.

In 2010, the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture issued Regulation No. 1083/2010, which obliged fishermen to bring all grayling catch ashore after 2011. But until then, only the roe had been caught and the rest thrown into the sea. Before the law came into force, it was clear that there was no large market in Iceland for grayling. But with the great entrepreneurial initiative of recent years, it had been possible to build a market for grayling in China, where the National Association of Small Boat Owners and the export company Triton played a key role.

The price of grayling is rising

To improve knowledge of this underutilized species, Fiskvinnslan Oddi in Patreksfjörður and Matís applied for a grant from the AVS Fisheries Research Fund for the project "Improved utilization of grayling products". In the project, samples were taken from fishing areas from Skjálfandi and west and south from all the way to Faxaflói. This gave a comparison of grayling from different fishing areas as well as information on chemical and nutrient content as well as information on contaminants such as heavy metals. This is the basic information to sell your product and find a new and exciting market. Research was conducted at Matís laboratories at Vínlandsleið in Reykjavík.

China is a good market for grayling, as it is transported there by whale and all, but in that context it should be noted that the eggs are about 30% by weight of grayling and the whale with head and tail about 55% and of that the fillets are only 14% of its total weight. However, gutting for the Chinese market is different from traditional gutting and requires more complex handling and better working conditions than are generally the case in small fishing boats. Fishing and processing for the Chinese market have yielded value and new opportunities are created in many coastal settlements for production and export, in addition to which changed methods of gutting call for processing in a country that has been job-creating. It is admirable how well fishermen have responded to these changes by shifting their working methods to decades and adapting to the changes. Prices for grayling have been rising and are a good boon for grayling fishermen and create value in coastal areas.

Do not meet demand

Since 1989, the National Association of Small Boat Owners has collaborated with interested exporters, processors and, last but not least, Matís in developing processing methods and exploring markets for grayling products. Grásleppukarlar has followed on the sidelines with a positive attitude, including payment to the LS development and marketing fund that was used for these matters. The soil for change was therefore fertile and the harvest was plentiful, as can be seen in the current season with a 300 million increase in catch value from grayling fishing, which is mainly explained by the export of salted grayling roe. The export value in 2012 amounted to just over 2.3 billion, and it can therefore be assumed that the grayling will return more than 2.6 billion to the national economy in 2013. Market conditions are good and the outlook is good as it is still not possible to meet Chinese market demand.

In food production, pesticides are often used, which are supposed to promote a better harvest and prevent damage caused by weeds, fungi and pests. Regulations are supposed to protect consumers from consuming these substances, but despite this, 22 children are now selected after consuming contaminated food.

Recently, sad news came from India. But in that country, 22 children had died after eating school meals. In India, it is estimated that about 120 million children are malnourished, but efforts have been made to counteract this with a food campaign called the "India Mid-Day Meal program". It is intended to ensure that children across the country receive at least one hot meal a day in the country's schools.

The diet plan has long roots, but it began in 1925. In general, the project has been a great pleasure, but in many cases it is the only hot meal of the day and is even the only thing they are allowed to eat every day. The quality of the food, however, varies from region to region. In the poorer parts of the country, the food and living conditions around the food are often lacking. Hygiene is often lacking and storage conditions are poor, which causes insects to make their home in the food supply. There is little or no control by the government over the food on offer. After all, there have been serious cases of food poisoning in the country's schools, which have most often been attributed to uncleanliness.

Contaminated frying oil

There are now 22 children in the selection after eating a meal at a school in Bihar province and 28 children are seriously ill. The meal, which consisted of rice, potatoes and soybeans, is believed to contain monocrotophos insecticides, which are generally dangerous to humans and especially children and can cause serious illness or even death, even if consumed in small amounts. An investigation into the incident has revealed that the poison entered the food with frying oil, which was used for cooking. The oil had been stored in bottles that previously contained insecticides.

Pesticides such as this particular insecticide are substances used in the cultivation and storage of foods such as fruits, vegetables and cereals, to reduce or prevent damage caused by weeds, fungi and pests. Pesticides are usually divided into four categories according to their use, ie. insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and stimulants (control plant growth). Certain rules apply to the use of pesticides during the growing season, eg how long it takes from use until harvest. In addition, certain rules apply to which pesticide residues (ie residues of pesticides or their metabolites, degradation or imaging substances) may be measured in different foods and in what quantities. Proper use of pesticides in the production and storage of food should ensure that little or no residue is found in ready-to-eat foods.

Matís screens for pesticides

In Iceland, we comply with EU regulations on the maximum permitted residues in food. Strict rules also apply to the use of such substances and many substances that were previously used are now banned, including the substance monocrotophos, which caused the illness and death of Indian children. Here in Iceland, fruit and vegetables are screened for pesticides, Matís takes care of that for the Icelandic Food Administration (MAST), which is an official supervisory body. Today, Matís scans for 63 pesticides in domestic and imported fruit and vegetables, if pesticides are detected above the permitted maximum, a certain process is initiated, which always leads to increased control and can lead to recall.

At the moment, a project is underway at Matís called "Safe Foods" which aims to build up our equipment to be able to increase research and follow-up with foods that are in production and sale in this country. But one of Matís' statutory roles is to improve food security in Iceland, which is the basis of all food production. Food quantity and food security are useless if the food to be consumed is not safe.

Let's reduce the risk - clean the fruit

Despite the fact that there are few examples of dangerous food additives on the market in Iceland, everyone should dedicate themselves to cleaning fruit and vegetables well before use, in addition to which it can be good to rinse well with dry products such as rice. In this way, we reduce the likelihood of consuming unhealthy additives, which can be avoided completely late as they also ensure that we get a fresh product that grows fast enough to meet demand.

The Særimner festival will be held on 8-10. October in Sweden. This year's theme is Nordic food creation and registration has been opened for those who want to promote their products and take part in the Swedish food production championship.

Særimner is a true festival for those who are involved in small-scale food production in one way or another, it will be held from the 8th to the 10th. October in Sweden. This year, the theme is "Nordic food creation" related to the project "New Nordic Food". There, small producers will meet to present their products, share their experiences and get to know other products. It will also be possible to taste other people's products and offer them, if people want to promote their products.

The conference will also feature numerous lectures and seminars related to food production in one way or another. For example, the future of Nordic food creation will be discussed, with politicians invited to speak. There will also be a seminar on fish processing before, Nordic berries and storage methods, food and trade, in addition to which Brynhildur Pálsdóttir will talk about the project "Farmers 'and Designers' Meeting", in which Matís participated. Advice will also be offered to small producers who want to further develop their products. It is therefore clear that anyone interested in small-scale food production can find something to their liking at the conference.

Swedish food production championship

At Særimner, the Swedish Championship (Food) in food production will be held for the 17th time and this time it will be open to competitors from the Nordic countries. There will be competition in 5 main categories which are: meat products, fish products, dairy products, baked goods and products from berries, fruits and vegetables. Under each main category are various product categories. This year there will be several new and exciting product categories such as lactic acid vegetables, mustard, pastries and food innovation. A number of judges, experts in their field of food, judge the competition, which takes place in front of open tents. There is a lot to win because the products that win prizes in the competition get good attention which will facilitate their marketing. All competitors receive reviews of their products from judges, which helps in the further development of the product. Iceland's representative in the judging panel will be Óli Þór Hilmarsson, meat industry master and specialist at Matís.

The festival is intended for everyone who is interested in food creation. It is an important platform for a network between small producers, imaginative and exciting, in addition to which it undoubtedly strengthens small producers in its production.

Registration for Eldrimner began on May 6, but registration is open until September 13. After that you can register for a higher registration fee. Everyone is free to join and we encourage everyone who works in this field or is interested in showing up.

Further information about the festival can be obtained from: Gunnþórunn Einarsdóttir, gunnthorunn.einarsdottir@matis.is and Óli Þór Hilmarsson, oli.th.hilmarsson@matis.is

Særimner website: http://www.eldrimner.com/

Matís' long-term partner recently signed an agreement with HB Grandi, which lays the foundation for an arrangement on board icefish trawlers for the future.

3X Technology has now concluded an agreement with HB Grandi on the design, construction and implementation of a complete solution for processing decks on board Helga María AK, but as is well known, Helga María has completed her last fishing trip as a freezer trawler and will be released as an icefish trawler after changes. The solution is based on research, measurements and product development that has been carried out in collaboration between Icelandic fisheries companies, Matís and 3X Technology in recent years.

Jóhann Jónasson, the company's managing director, says that the collaboration with Matís has been crucial: “Our collaboration and the firm conviction of the staff of Matís and 3X Technology that the future and main opportunity of the Icelandic fishing industry lies in building on quality production is to deliver this, because companies like HB Grandi is of the same opinion and they look to the future with the aim of delivering excellent and consistent quality to their customers. "

An agreement like this matters

"HB Grandi is without a doubt one of the most powerful companies in the country and therefore this agreement is a great recognition for our excellent cooperation. It is more than a year since this project with HB Grandi began and this phase is very dear to us and many employees from these three companies have put their hand to the plow and created this result ".

Jóhann thanks Matís for the collaboration and says he looks forward to continuing the collaboration, as it has given the company both wings. "The processing deck on board Helga María is one of the most advanced that we at 3X have come across in an icefish trawler and will lay a strong foundation for future arrangements on board such vessels".

Product differences

"Earlier this winter, we sold 3X Technology to an Icelandic salted fish manufacturer, Fiskkaup, ROTEX equipment on board the liner and net vessel Kristrún RE-177, but Fiskkaup sells salted fish to Italy, among other places. Their Italian customers were satisfied with the products before but are now very happy, they say that the fish now has a brighter tone than before. It all supports each other, although we did not easily see a difference in the fish when it was taken home, it is whiter when it comes on the market, it is as it turned out when the fish, the raw material, was measured at Matís and their results measurements indicated that there was a difference between fish that were treated in the traditional way and fish that went through our ROTEX ship solutions ".

Matís sincerely congratulates 3X Technology on the course!

Computer drawing of Rótex processing tires

Today, Arnljótur Bjarki Bergsson, director of Matís, handed over to Einar Kristin Guðfinnsson, Speaker of the Althing, 63 copies of the booklet "The importance of good handling of fish", which Matís recently had reprinted.

Fisheries are close to Icelanders, as the fisheries sector has been one of the country's basic industries and a rich source of income. It is therefore not surprising that most people have an opinion on the fishing industry, and especially MPs. In discussions about the fishing industry, however, it is seldom discussed what matters if the value of the products is to be processed, that is, the importance of good handling of fish from the time it is pulled from the sea, so that the quality of the fish can be preserved. Quality is the basis of value.

It was therefore considered appropriate to hand over to the members of the Althingi the booklet: "The importance of good handling of fish", which was reprinted this summer by Matís. The booklet addresses in particular the five most important aspects of the treatment of freshly caught fish; bleeding, gutting, washing, hygiene and cooling. Extensive knowledge of the importance of good fish handling is important for everyone, no less for those who discuss fisheries management than those who fish.

The Speaker of the Althingi is pleased with the gift

Einar Kristinn Guðfinnsson, Speaker of the Althingi and former Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, received the brochure on behalf of Althingi members. He was very pleased with the initiative and said: "This is a much needed and good initiative on the part of Matís. Good raw material handling provides even more opportunities for the Icelandic fisheries sector and can contribute to greatly increased value creation. Our fisheries management system encourages good utilization of the raw material. Those who utilize the fishery resource have a certain amount at their disposal, and as a result, incentives are created for fishermen, fishing companies and fish processing to create as much value as possible from limited catch quotas. Their interests therefore lie in managing the resource well, maximizing yields. We have also seen that value creation per kilogram given has increased remarkably in recent years. That does not change the fact that it can be done even better. "

"We are far from reaching any limits. The opportunities are many, such as improved catch management from fishing until the fish has become a finished product that is sold on a demanding market, but also in all kinds of by-products that were not utilized but have now become of great value. It has been interesting to follow developments in this field as well as the collaboration of scientists and those working in the field. We always keep in mind that good resources are not a check on value creation, but how they are used. "

Food security is the basis of food security

At Matís, great emphasis is placed on innovation and the valuable increase in seafood, but it is clear that the basis of all food production is good raw materials and if the intention is to maximize product prices, it is clear that the handling of raw materials must be as good as possible, or as Sigurjón Arason Matís' chief engineer, has said: "no one makes gold out of shit", which are truly true words. Therefore, it is of little importance to have enough food if it is not fit for human consumption.

Today's Morgunblaðið publishes an article about Matís' reprint of a booklet that discusses the importance of good fish handling. The booklet is intended for all those who work at sea handling fish. You can access it here on the website.

A booklet about the importance of good fish handling was recently reprinted by Matís. The booklet focuses on the five most important aspects and is intended for newcomers and experienced fishermen. The previous edition was well received, the edition was exhausted, so the booklet was reprinted. Morgunblaðið contacted Arnljót Bjarki, where Matís' Processing, Value Added and Breeding Division was responsible for publishing and printing the brochure.

Here you can read the article as it appears in Morgunblaðið:

Matís has reprinted brochures on the importance of good handling of freshly caught fish. In particular, it mentions the five factors that matter most; bleeding, gutting, washing, hygiene and cooling.

Recruitment has been considerable in small boat operations, but a spokesman for Matís points out that the guidelines are aimed at all fishermen, whether they work on small boats or larger fishing vessels. However, there are indications that fishermen handle the catch in different ways.

Matvælastofnun employees; MAST, and the Directorate of Fisheries carried out temperature measurements in June on landed catches of 240 boats. The measurements were a total of 548 and took place across the country. There, the temperature of the catch turned out to be on average 3.2 degrees, but according to current regulations, the temperature must be below 4 degrees, four hours after the catch is taken on board. About 70% of the catch were below the required limit. About a third did not have the right temperature. About 7% boats brought uncooled fish ashore.

Long live the first model

Arnljótur Bjarki Bergsson, director of processing, value added and aquaculture at Matís, says that he is never too often reminded of the importance of handling the fish correctly, so that its quality is ensured for further processing. Measurements by MAST and the Directorate of Fisheries indicate that people need to take action.

"The first model has been around for a long time. It is important that the fish is handled professionally from the moment it is caught so that the greatest value can be made from the catch. Quality is the basis of all values, "says Arnljótur.

"Bleeding, bleeding and cooling are key issues on board the boats that do not accommodate gutting, but where possible, bleeding, bleeding, gutting and cooling are the key issues," he added.

Arnljótur points out that the summer session has changed the size limits of hook-catching boats and now houses larger boats. In larger boats, it is important to have good facilities on board for gutting. Cooling is a very important issue and it is necessary to keep the temperature of the catch low all the way to land. "The catch must meet the requirements that the fish processing industry makes for it. Processing and selling fish is about trust. People need to make sure they can sell fish again. Few people think that this is a one-time business, people probably want to be able to repeat the game. It is always about respect for the environment, raw materials and consumers, "says Arnljótur Bjarki.

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Matís has created an ice calculator that provides information on the estimated ice demand based on current conditions. The calculator can be accessed on Matís' educational website: Ice demand (ice calculations)

The brochure: http://www.matis.is/media/matis/utgafa/Mikilvaegi-godrar-medhondlunar-a-fiski.pdf 

Leaflet: http://www.matis.is/media/einblodungar/a4_medhondlun_fisks.pdf   

News MAST. https://www.mast.is/is/um-mast/frettir/frettir/afli-skal-vera-undir-4c-egar-honum-er-landa

The town festival "Fiskidagurinn mikli" will be held on Saturday 10 August in Dalvík. The festival gives visitors and walkers the opportunity to taste a variety of fish dishes and soups. Matís will be one of the sponsors of the festival next year.

The big fish day is the annual town festival in Dalvík where fish consumption is in the foreground. The big fishing day is held on the Saturday after the shopping weekend. There, fish processors and locals offer various fish dishes that the public can taste. Innovative dishes are often available, which remind us that seafood is an excellent ingredient that offers great potential. One of the most popular dishes on Fish Days is, for example, fish burgers that are grilled on an 8 meter long grill.

Everyone is allowed to eat as much as they can

On the Friday night before the big Fish Day, the big Fish Soup Night is held, but then the locals invite guests and pedestrians to taste home-made fish soup that each family has prepared to their liking.

The festival is therefore largely based on a positive experience of fish consumption and thus promotes it. This is extremely positive, as we at Matís believe that increased fish consumption is good for the nation's public health. In Iceland, fish consumption has been hit hard, despite the fact that health effects are well known. As one of Matís' goals is to improve public health, we focus on encouraging fish consumption and promoting innovation in food production. It is therefore a great pleasure to take part in this festival. This year, Matís will present its operations with Grímur Kokk, but the companies have had a good collaboration since 2008 and are now working on the development of consumer-friendly products that have been enriched with organic substances from seafood.

It is a real pleasure for us to announce that Matís will be the sponsor of the Great Fish Day 2014!

More information about the festival can be found on the website Great Fish Day.

Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís, was interviewed on Morgunútvarpið on Tuesday 9 July. In it, he spoke about the problems facing the world in terms of food production and food security today and in the near future.

In the episode, Sveinn discusses whether technological development will solve the problems facing food production due to population growth and a contraction in food production. However, research indicates that the increase in food production is slowing down and the natural tolerance limits of the soil have been reached. Sveinn points out, however, that there are still considerable possibilities in the utilization of the sea and marine products. But Icelanders have been a leader in research and development of fish processing.

He points out that the next major EU research program "Horizon" 2020 aims to tackle issues such as food security and the handling of bio-raw materials. Iceland is a participant in this project and some of Matís' projects are currently related to this research program.  

"Food, food prices and food production will continue to be a major issue that really needs to be considered. As the war of the past was to some extent about oil and access to those resources, I do not think it unlikely that future disputes will to some extent revolve around access to land, sea areas and possible technology that will help us with food production. In this big context, we must not forget that many of the major revolutions in history have taken place when food prices have risen or when there has been a shortage of food, the French Revolution is just a good example. "

You can listen to the whole interview on RÚV website.

A new and magnificent research vessel has been handed over to the Tanzanian government. It will be useful for research on fish stocks in Lake Tanganyika, which is one of the main sources of food in the country as well as in neighboring Burundi, Congo and Zambia.

Matís employees recently handed over a well-equipped research vessel for Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania to the Tanzanian government. With the delivery of the vessel, Matís' two-year development cooperation project in Tanzania formally ends, which, among other things, aimed to develop processing methods for fish and improve research resources and understanding of the aquatic environment. Many people base their livelihoods on fishing in the lake, as it is the second largest freshwater body in the world, although fishing and processing methods are primitive.

Promotes sustainable development

"With increased knowledge of the chemical composition of the water and the ecosystem, it is possible to promote the sustainable development of fish stocks and strengthen the integration of fisheries. The vessel will therefore be useful for research and assessment of fish stock sizes and for understanding the chemical development in the water, "says Margeir Gissurarson, project manager at Matís.  

Lake Tanganyika is located on the borders of Burundi, Congo, Tanzania and Zambia and is an important fishery resource with a unique biological ecosystem. The lake is about 32 thousand square kilometers in size or about a third of the area of Iceland.

Matís regularly participates in development cooperation projects around the world. This co-operation, for example, contributes to the development of knowledge in the food industry in developing countries at the Icelandic Development Cooperation Agency, the United Nations University and others working on development co-operation.

The ship that was repaired	The new ship is equipped with precise equipment

A recent review report on per- and polyfluorinated alkanes (PFCs) revealed that there is a considerable lack of physicochemical data on a large proportion of these substances. However, there are indications that they can cause serious toxicity and harm to human and animal health.

The aim of the project was to obtain further information on how PFCs are used and released in the Nordic countries and the Arctic. The summary report was prepared by Matís in collaboration with a group of experts in the Nordic countries, for KLIF (Norwegian Climate and Pollution Agency) and the Nordic Chemistry Group (NKG), which is part of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Affect reproduction

PFC materials are a very large and complex group of organic substances that have diverse functions. They have been produced for about 50 years by chemical synthesis, but they are not formed by nature. They are widely used in industry and in homes. Their use has so far been considered safe and therefore considerable. However, scientists' concerns began to arise when the widespread distribution of the substances was discovered in the environment (including polar bears), especially in light of research suggesting that PFCs may, for example, affect reproduction and that they degrade particularly slowly in nature.

Following these discoveries, the EU's attention has now been focused on examining the use and classification of these substances. The OECD has registered a total of 853 different fluoride compounds and more will be added to the group. This figure indicates that a number of more fluorinated substances are used today, at the same time as little is known about the sources of the substances and even less about their distribution and environmental impact.

The project work was divided into three main components. First, an analysis of the main per- and polyfluorinated substances and their use in various industries in the Nordic market. Secondly, an analysis of possible emissions and impacts in the Nordic environment and thirdly, a summary of knowledge about the toxicity of priority substances in this survey. The effects on both humans and animals were examined.

Few scientific studies on PFCs

The results show that there is a considerable lack of information on most PFCs in the Nordic market. In very few cases is there accurate market information on their chemical composition, quantity, production and use. However, current legislation does not require the publication of information on certain PFCs. These gaps are due to ignorance and trade secrets. Only a few scientific studies have been conducted on most PFCs in the Nordic environment and little or no research has been done on the effects of the substances on humans. However, animal toxicity studies have shown that individual PFCs can adversely affect normal development, reproduction and the immune system by reducing body weight, causing hepatotoxicity and affecting the endocrine system. sex and thyroid hormones.

When there is toxicity due to PFCs, there is rarely a single substance to blame, but it is usually a mixture of various PFCs mixed with other environmental factors. Future research on PFCs therefore needs to focus on the effects of mixing PFCs and their derivatives. In addition, there is a need for reference material for analysis, data on toxicology and information on their existence in humans and the environment. 

The research report was published as a Tema Nord report and can be accessed on the website Nordic Council of Ministers.