Category: Reports

Reports

Lobster trap fishing

Published:

01/09/2013

Authors:

Heather Philp, Vigfús Þórarinn Ásbjörnsson, Ragnheiður Sveinþórsdóttir

Supported by:

AVS Reference Number R 043‐10

Lobster trap fishing

In the project, new fishing areas were defined for lobster trapping, they were tested and evaluated for feasibility. An optimal time was also found before the traps were visited after they had been laid. Data showing seasonal fluctuations, both in terms of catches and catch values, were reviewed, and new data were collected and defined. Markets for live lobsters were examined along with prices according to the seasons. The results of the project show that a large lobster is the most common catch in traps in Iceland, in fact the lobster is so large that traditional British packages are too small for it. It is also gratifying that the time of year that seems to be the biggest catch is the time when the highest price is obtained in the markets for live lobsters. New fishing areas that were defined proved to be good and promising for the future.

In the project, new fishing grounds were identified for the purpose of lobster trap fishing. They were explored and assessed. Also, the optimal “soak” time for the fishing was determined. A lot of historical data were explored to show how the catches varied during the year - both catches and the value of the catch - and new data were collected. Markets for live lobster were explored by value and time of year. The results of the project show that big lobsters are the most common catch in traps in Iceland. And in fact, the lobsters are so big that the packaging used for the lobster in the UK is too small. It's positive for Iceland that the time of year when catches are highest coincides with the time of year when prices are the highest too. New fishing grounds were identified which were both productive and promising for the future.

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Reports

Research on the prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter in Icelandic chicken products on the consumer market

Published:

01/09/2013

Authors:

Eyjólfur Reynisson, Viggó Þór Marteinsson, Franklín Georgsson

Supported by:

Matís, Ministry of Industry and Innovation

Contact

Viggó Marteinsson

Research Group Leader

viggo@matis.is

Research on the prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter in Icelandic chicken products on the consumer market 

With the adoption of most of the food rules and EU food legislation (178/2002 and 102/2010), it is clear that the import of fresh meat products to Iceland could become a reality, but so far the government has banned such imports altogether. In this context, there is a need to obtain data on the safety of Icelandic products on the market with regard to microbial contamination. Extensive data are available on the frequency of Salmonella and Campylobacter in poultry farming in Iceland and at slaughter in recent years, but there has been a lack of information on the state of affairs in the consumer market. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the frequency of these pathogens in Icelandic fresh chicken products on the market. A total of 537 samples were taken over a 12-month period from May 2012 to April 2013 from the country's three largest producers. 183 packs of whole chickens, 177 packs of breasts and 177 packs of wings were examined. All samples in the study were negative for both Salmonella and Campylobacter. It is therefore clear that the situation in these countries is very good and as good or better than what is happening in other countries.

With the adoption of the main parts of the EU food legislation (178/2002 and 102/2010) it is evident that import of fresh meat and poultry could be possible even though at present it is still prohibited by the Icelandic government. In this respect it is advisable to keep data on the safety of Icelandic products already on the market for current reference. Extensive data are available of the frequency of Salmonella and Campylobacter at the breeding and slaughtering steps in the poultry supply chain in Iceland but no systematic data collection has been done at the retail level in recent years. The aim of this study was therefore to estimate the frequency of contamination of the above mentioned pathogens in consumer packs of Icelandic poultry production. A total of 537 samples were collected in a 12 month period from May 2012 to April 2013 from the three largest domestic producers. Total of 183 packs of whole chicken were analyzed, 177 packs of fillets and 177 packs of wing cuts. All samples measured negative both for Salmonella and Campylobacter. It is therefore confirmed that the monitoring scheme and intervention policy in Icelandic poultry production is effective and that the status of contamination of these pathogens in fresh retail poultry packs is as good as, or better than in other EU states.

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Reports

Comparison of packaging methods for bulk storage of fresh cod loins / Comparison of packaging solutions in foam packaging for storage of cod products

Published:

01/08/2013

Authors:

Hélène L. Lauzon, Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir, Eyjólfur Reynisson, Björn Margeirsson

Supported by:

Promens Tempra ehf, Umbúðir og ráðgjöf ehf

Contact

Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir

Sensory evaluation manager

adalheiduro@matis.is

Comparison of packaging methods for bulk storage of fresh cod loins / Comparison of packaging solutions in foam packaging for storage of cod products

The main objective of the experiment was to compare packaging solutions for fish in terms of quality deterioration and product temperature during storage, which is similar to the conditions for export and distribution. The objectives were to compare cold storage of products packed (1) in 5-kg units in (H1) ship or (H2) air boxes; (2) in 3 ‐ kg units in (H3) airbags compared to H2; (3) with CO2 mats (H4) to reduce microbial growth in 5 kg units stored under 93% vacuum in EPS boxes. The results show that the lifespan of H1 was shorter, but there were smaller quality changes among the other groups. However, the freshness was longest and the lifespan of H4, which compares with slower TVB-N and TMA formation and microbial growth due to CO2 formation as well as lower product temperature. The fastest microbial growth was measured in H3 after 8 days of storage. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of TVB-N and TMA values, which were highest in H1 and H3. Drip was at least half as high in H4 as in other groups.

The overall aim of the storage study was to compare the quality deterioration and temperature profile of cod loins differently packaged in expanded polystyrene boxes and stored under conditions mimicking distribution. The purpose of the study was threefold; to compare chilled storage (1) or 5 ‐ kg bulk fish packaged in sea freight (H1) or air freight (H2) boxes; (2) of 3 ‐ kg (H3) or 5 ‐ kg (H2) bulk fish packaged in air freight boxes; (3) with the use of CO2 ‐ emitting pads (H4) as a mean to slow down bacterial deterioration of cod loins (5 kg) packaged under partial vacuum and stored in EPS boxes. The results clearly indicated that group H1 had a shorter shelf life as it developed spoilage characteristics faster than the other three groups. Less difference was seen between the remaining three groups but group H4 retained its freshness slightly longer than groups H2 and H3. This can be explained by the CO2 present and the lower mean product temperature. More advanced microbial spoilage was detected in H3 group compared to H2, as shown by higher microbial counts in H3 being though insignificant. No significant differences were observed after 8 ‐ day storage in TVB ‐ N and TMA content of the four groups, despite the higher levels measured in H1 and H3. Drip loss was at least two times higher in H4 than the other groups.

Closed Report

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Reports

Pollution monitoring in the marine environment around Iceland 2011 and 2012 / Monitoring of the marine biosphere around Iceland 2011 and 2012

Published:

01/08/2013

Authors:

Hrönn Jörundsdóttir, Natasa Desnica, Þuríður Ragnarsdóttir, Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir

Supported by:

Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources & Ministry of Industries and Innovation

Pollution monitoring in the marine environment around Iceland 2011 and 2012 / Monitoring of the marine biosphere around Iceland 2011 and 2012

This report presents the results of an annual monitoring project funded by the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, as well as the Ministry of Industry and Innovation. The purpose of this monitoring is to fulfill Iceland's obligations under the Oslo and Paris Agreements (OSPAR), as well as the AMAP (Arctic Monitoring Assessment Program). The data are part of Iceland's contribution to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) database. The Marine Research Institute collects samples and Matís oversees the preparation of samples and measurements of trace elements in the marine environment. The samples are measured at Matís and at the University of Iceland Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Various inorganic trace elements and chloro-organic substances were measured in cod caught in Hafró's annual spring rally in March 2012 and in mussels collected at 11 locations around the country in August / September 2011. Monitoring in the marine environment around Iceland began in 1989 and samples are collected once a year. for a year and worked according to international sampling instructions. The data is collected in a database, the report provides overview images for some of the materials monitored. Cadmium is regionally higher in Icelandic mussels compared to mussels from other countries. The results show changes in the pattern of chlorine organic matter in mussels collected near Hvalstöðin in Hvalfjörður in September 2011. The concentration of chlorine organic substances increased in 2009 and 2010 but decreased in samples from 2011 and has become comparable to the concentration measured before 2009. The concentration of DDEs is however, it was higher than before 2009. There were no visible changes in the concentration of these substances at the mussel collection point at Hvammsvík in Hvalfjörður or at any other collection site around the country that was studied in 2011. It is important to monitor these changes in the pattern of chlorine organic matter in mussels. in the monitoring project in the coming years to see how they change. A detailed statistical analysis of the data is in progress, i.e. Scientific methods can be used to estimate the increase or decrease of pollutants in the marine environment in Iceland.

This report contains results of the annual monitoring of the biosphere around Iceland in 2011 and 2012. The project, overseen by the Environment Agency of Iceland, is to fulfill the OSPAR (Oslo and Paris agreement) and AMAP (Arctic Monitoring Assessment Program) agreements. The project was funded by the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources as well as the Ministry of Industries and Innovation. The data obtained is a part of Iceland's contribution to the ICES databank (ices.dk). The collection of data started 1989. Matís is the coordinator for marine biota monitoring and is responsible for methods relating to sampling, preparation and analysis of samples. The samples were analyzed at Matís and the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Iceland. Trace metals and organochlorines were analyzed in cod (Gadus morhua) caught in March 2011 and in blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) collected from 11 sites in August / Sept 2011. Marine monitoring began in Iceland 1989 and the sampling is carried out according to standardized sampling guidelines. Changes were observed in the organochlorine concentration patterns in blue mussels collected year 2011 at the sampling site Hvalstod in Hvalfjordur. The concentration of organochlorines increased in the years 2009 and 2010 but decreased in the samples from 2011 and is in line with the concentration of organohalogens in mussels before 2009. No noteworthy increase in organochlorine concentrations was however observed in blue mussels obtained at Hvammsvík in Hvalfjordur nor any of the other sample sites studied year 2011. These results need to be followed up in the annual monitoring of the biosphere around Iceland next year to see if this change in contaminant concentration pattern continues. A thorough statistical evaluation is on ‐ going on all the available data from this monitoring program to analyze spatial and temporal trends of pollutants in the Icelandic marine biosphere.

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Reports

Shrimp - brine based on characteristics

Published:

01/07/2013

Authors:

Arnljótur B. Bergsson, Ásbjörn Jónsson, Gunnar Þórðarson, Lárus Þorvaldsson, María Guðjónsdóttir, Minh Van Nguyen, Sigurjón Arason

Supported by:

AVS Fisheries Research Fund

Contact

Gunnar Þórðarson

Regional Manager

gunnar.thordarson@matis.is

Shrimp - brine based on characteristics

The volume of imported frozen shrimp requires good care in the thawing of the raw material, as shrimp pickling is particularly important for the processing of the product produced from the raw material. Efforts were made to ensure that the best procedures for thawing and pre-packaging were shrimp in terms of raw material properties. Raw material properties were mapped using traditional certified measurement methods as well as low-range nuclear measurements and enhanced with near-infrared spectroscopy. Changes in shrimp that occurred during shrimp pickling were monitored. Processing conditions were mapped using alternate models. The effects of using phosphate as a technical aid were investigated. The correct proportions of shrimp and brine, as well as the temperature of the brine, are prerequisites for stability in pre-pickling so that the desired results are achieved. With proper application, phosphate increases the efficiency of shrimp processing but does not accompany shrimp in the packaging of consumer products. Maladjusted brine reduces utilization.

The volume of imported frozen shrimp demands optimal processes for defreezing the raw material. Brining is most important for the processing of the product that is produced from the raw material. Efforts were made to optimize defreezing and brining of shrimp depending on raw material quality attributes. Quality attributes of shrimp were mapped by accrecated methods as well as NMR and NIR measurments. Changes in shrimp were observed during the brining process. Processing conditions were charted with thermo ‐ models. Effect of usages of phosphate as technological adjuvants was observed. Porpotions of shrimp and brine, as well as temperature of brine are presumptions of stability during brining for expected results to be achieved. With correct application, phosphate increases processing performance and does not accompany shimp into packaged consumer product. Uncontrolled brining reduces product / raw material yield.

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Reports

Improved utilization of lumpfish

Published:

27/06/2013

Authors:

Gunnar Þórðarson (Matís), Skjöldur Pálmason (Fiskvinnslan Oddi), Ólafur Reykdal (Matís)

Supported by:

AVS V 11 020‐11

Contact

Gunnar Þórðarson

Regional Manager

gunnar.thordarson@matis.is

Improved utilization of lumpfish

The Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture's regulation, No. 1083/2010, made it obligatory to bring all grayling catch ashore after 2011. It was therefore necessary to react quickly and find a market for the grayling itself, but only the roe had been harvested and the rest thrown into the sea. . A great deal of entrepreneurship had taken place for several years, and it is worth mentioning the National Association of Small Boat Owners and the export company Triton in that context, which together built up a market for grayling in the Chinese market, with a bang and all. It should be noted that the roe is about 30% by the weight of the grayling, while the whale with the head and tail is about 55%, of which the fillets are only 14% of its total weight. There was a lot of work to be done and it is clear that there is great value in this underutilized fish species and great opportunities would be created in many coastal settlements for the production and export of grayling. At the same time, increased income for fishermen and the fishing industry, as well as the fact that the grayling was now mostly brought ashore, which created a lot of work for production parties. Cutting for the Chinese market is different from the traditional method and requires more complex procedures, but it requires better working conditions that do not exist on board small fishing boats. There was little information on the chemical and nutritional content of grayling, but such information is necessary when marketing products. A detailed report was prepared on the material and raw materials are used in many parts of the country. Shelf life tests were performed on frozen grayling. A conference was held in Patreksfjörður where stakeholders in the fishing, processing and export of grayling were invited to discuss the interests of the industry.

A new regulation from Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, No. 1083/2010, require returning all lumpfish fished in Iceland, after 2011. A quick action had to be taken to find markets for lumpfish itself, but only the roes which have been processed but the rest of the fish have been discarded into the sea. With entrepreneurial activity for some years now new markets have been developed in China, by the National Association of Small Boat Owners in Iceland in cooperation with the export company Triton. It should be noted that the roes are only about 30% of the total weight of lumpfish, with head and tail about 70% of its total weight. There was much to be done to save value in the lumpfish business and great opportunities for small communities relying on this business and find a market for the lumpfish product and create extra value for stakeholders. Furthermore, increased income for fishermen and fishing communities by creating valuable work by processing the fish at shore. Gutting and trimming the lumpfish for the China market is different from the traditional approach and calls for more sophisticated self-administration, but it requires better working conditions that do not exist on board small fishing boats. Very little information on chemical composition and nutrient value has been available for lumpfish products. An in-depth report on this subject was prepared, using samples from different regions in Iceland. Self ‐ life experiments were prepared by this project. A work shop was held in Patreksfjordur in May 2013, with stakeholders from the lumpfish business participating.

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Reports

Experiments with the processing of sea urchin eggs

Published:

01/06/2013

Authors:

Jón Trausti Kárason, Ragnheiður Sveinþórsdóttir, Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir, Guðmundur Stefánsson, Sæmundur Elíasson, Stefán Freyr Björnsson, Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir, Irek Klonowski, Ragnar Jóhannsson

Supported by:

West Iceland Growth Agreement

Contact

Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir

Project Manager

kolbrun.sveinsdottir@matis.is

Experiments with the processing of sea urchin eggs

In this project, three experiments were performed with different goals. The aim of the first experiment was to examine the quality of sea urchin eggs and to test the rapid freezing of eggs with exports in mind. In the second experiment, branched dextrin sugars (Glico) and alginate were used to strengthen the outer layer of the eggs, the purpose was to find a substance that could replace alum to keep the eggs better from processing to the buyer. In the third experiment, the aim was to investigate whether it was possible to process sea urchin roe by heat treatment as a bulk product and also whether it was possible to separate the processing in time, ie. whether the pots could be opened and the roe packed in larger units so that they could be handled elsewhere than where the pots were opened.

In this project three experiments were undertaken. The goal in the first one was to explore the quality of gonads (sea urchin roes) and try to instant-freeze it for export. In the second experiment clusterdextrin and alginate was used to make the surface of the roes stronger. The purpose of that experiment was to find a substitute for alum for the gonads to keep their shape during the time from processing to buyer. In the third experiment the goal was to explore if it was possible to process gonads with heating in a large quantity and if it was possible to separate the stages of processing so tha the gonads could be collected and packed in one location, then further processed in another.

Report closed until 01.07.2016

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Reports

Processing Lobster mince from lobster claws 2

Published:

01/05/2013

Authors:

Vigfús Ásbjörnsson, Þorkell Marvin Halldórsson, Irek Klonowski, Guðjón Þorkelsson, Óli Þór Hilmarsson, Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir

Supported by:

AVS reference number R 009-12

Contact

Guðjón Þorkelsson

Strategic Scientist

gudjon.thorkelsson@matis.is

Processing Lobster mince from lobster claws 2

The purpose of the project is to optimize a previously developed process in the production of lobster marl from lobster claws from a previous project carried out in the years 2011-2012. Investigate its properties and uses with the aim of demonstrating the feasibility of producing such a product in lobster processing in Iceland. Many experiments and measurements are made with the marlin and it is evaluated by Matís experts so that there is a professional evaluation of the product that can be used in the processing of the product in fish processing plants in Iceland. 

The purpose of the project is to fine tune the process of isolating mince from nephrops lobster claws which was developed in an earlier project which was performed in the years 2011‐2012. Analyze the mince features and functions with the purpose of pointing out the mince feasibility of producing the material in Icelandic lobster industry. Many experiments and measurements are performed on the mince in the project where it is evaluated by Matis food specialists so the existence of professional evaluation of the product can be used in processing the product in the fish industry in Iceland.

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Reports

Protein requirements of Arctic charr / Protein requirement of char

Published:

01/05/2013

Authors:

Jón Árnason, Ólafur Ingi Sigurgeirsson, Jónína Jóhannsdóttir, Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir, Joseph Ginindza

Supported by:

AVS Fund (AVS Project R10011‐10)

Protein requirements of Arctic charr / Protein requirement of char

Five different feed types with protein content from (29) 30 - 40% were given in two size groups (100 g and 600 g) in both fresh and salt water. The effects of different feeds were assessed on the basis of their effects on digestibility, weight development, daily growth (SGR), feed utilization (FCR), chemical composition of fillets (in the larger fish) and sensory evaluation. Final weight and daily growth were lowest in the fish fed the lowest protein, but no effect of protein, in excess of 37% in the feed, was found on final weight and SGR. The minimum protein requirements for growth are therefore between 33% and 38% in the feed. There was no significant difference in feed response between size groups, even though the effect of reduced protein was greater in the larger fish. It was also not possible to see a single decisive effect of salinity on the protein requirement. The protein content of the feed also did not have a decisive effect on the fillet composition or sensory evaluation of the products.

Four (five) different diets with protein varying from (29) 30 - 41% were fed ad libitum to two size groups of Arctic charr (100 gram and 600gram) in fresh‐ as well as seawater. The effect of the different diets was evaluated by digestibility, weight development, SGR, FCR, chemical composition of filet (in the bigger size groups) and sensory evaluation. The lowest final weights and SGR were found when fed the diets with lowest protein but here was no effect final weight and final weight between 38% and 41% protein in the diet, indicating that the minimum need for protein is between 33 and 38% protein in the diet . The same trend was shown in both size groups but the effect was more pronounced in the bigger fish than in the smaller fish. The results regarding size and growth were also the same in fresh‐ and seawater. The protein content in the diet did not have any marked effect on either chemical composition of filets or the sensory quality of the product.

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Reports

Undesirable substances in seafood products - results from the Icelandic marine monitoring activities in the year 2012

Published:

01/05/2013

Authors:

Sophie Jensen, Hrönn Ólína Jörundsdóttir, Natasa Desnica, Þuríður Ragnarsdóttir, Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir

Supported by:

Atvinnuvega‐ og nýsköpunarráðuneytið / Ministry of Industries and Innovation

Contact

Sophie Jensen

Project Manager

sophie.jensen@matis.is

Undesirable substances in seafood products - results from the Icelandic marine monitoring activities in the year 2012

This report summarizes the results of monitoring for undesirable substances in seafood, fishmeal and fish oil for feed since 2012. The EU maximum levels for dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) in food and feed were recently lowered and maximum levels were set for the first time. set for "non-dioxin-like" PCBs (NDL-PCBs). The new maximum values are used in this report to assess how Icelandic seafood meets EU requirements. The monitoring began in 2003 with the help of the then Ministry of Fisheries, the current Ministry of Industry and Innovation, and has now been carried out for ten consecutive years. The project builds a knowledge base on the amount of undesirable substances in economically important species and marine products, it is defined as a long-term project where monitoring and review are constantly necessary. In 2012, emphasis was placed on gathering information on the organic compounds PFC and inorganic trace elements in edible seafood, but also in fishmeal and fish oil for feed. In general, the results obtained in 2012 were in line with previous results from 2003 to 2011. The results showed that Icelandic seafood contains insignificant amounts of persistent organic pollutants such as dioxins, PCBs, pesticides and PBDEs. This was the second year that PFCs have been detected in Icelandic seafood and perfluorooctane sulfon amide (PFOSA) was the only PFC substance that exceeded the detection limit, other PFC substances were not measured. The results from 2012 showed that despite the change in maximum levels for dioxins, DL-PCBs and NDL-PCBs (EU Regulation No. 1259/2011), all samples of seafood for human consumption are below the EU maximum levels for persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals. The concentration of reference PCBs (marker PCBs) turned out to be minimal in the edible part of the fish, compared to the new maximum EU values. The results also showed that the concentration of heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) in Icelandic seafood was always below the EU maximum values. In March 2012, EU Regulation No. 277/2012 entered into force, lowering maximum levels for dioxins and DL-PCBs in animal feed, but also setting maximum levels for NDL-PCBs. Despite this change, all samples of fishmeal and fish oil for feed were measured below maximum levels, with the exception of one blue whiting meal sample containing toxafen above EU maximum levels.

This report summarizes the results obtained in 2012 for the screening of various undesirable substances in the edible part of marine catches, fish meal and fish oil for feed. The newly established maximum levels for dioxins, dioxin ‐ like PCB and non dioxin ‐ like PCB in foodstuffs and animal feed are used to evaluate how Icelandic seafood products measure up to EC limits currently in effect. The surveillance program began in 2003 and has now been carried out for ten consecutive years. The project fills in gaps of knowledge regarding the level of undesirable substances in economically important marine catches for Icelandic export. It is considered to be a long ‐ term project where extension and revision are constantly necessary. In the year 2012 emphasis was placed on gathering information on the organic compounds PFCs and inorganic trace elements in the edible part of marine catches as well as in the fish meal and fish oil for feed. Generally, the results obtained in 2012 are in agreement with previous results from the years 2003 to 2011. The results show that the Icelandic seafood products contain negligible amounts of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as dioxins, dioxin like PCBs, pesticides and PBDEs. This is the second time PFCs are analyzed in Icelandic seafood and fish products and the results show that the main PFC compound, perfluorooctane sulfone amide (PFOSA) was the only congener detected. The results obtained in the year 2012 reveal that despite the recent change by the EC in maximum levels for dioxins, dioxin ‐ like PCB and non dioxin ‐ like PCB in foodstuffs, all samples of seafood for human consumption were below EC maximum levels for POPs and heavy metals. Furthermore, the concentration of marker PCBs was found to be low in the edible part of fish muscle, compared to the maximum limits set by the EU (Commission Regulation 1259/2011). The results showed that the concentrations of heavy metals, eg cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) in Icelandic seafood products was always well below the maximum limits set by EU. In March 2012 Commission Regulation No 277/2012, regarding maximum levels for dioxins and PCBs in animal feed came into effect and after the implementation of this regulation maximum levels are now also set for non dioxin ‐ like PCBs. Despite of this change all samples of fish meal and fish oil for feed measured were below the EC maximum limits for feed components of marine origin except for one blue whiting meal sample that exceeds the maximum limits for toxaphene.

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