Måsøval offshoot sold condemned fish

A subsidiary owned by the large Norwegian salmon farmer Måsøval has been selling frozen fish unsuitable for human consumption, it was disclosed today. 

The practice, which is emerging as a major scandal for the Norwegian industry, has apparently been going on for some time – before Måsøval even became involved with the business. The amounts involved, however, are not huge.

Måsøval said today that an investigation has revealed that Pure Norwegian Salmon (PNS) in which it acquired a 65% stake in 2021, has “over several years” allowed certain customers to buy frozen salmon which, according to Norwegian regulations, is not suitable for human consumption”.

The Oslo Stock Exchange announcement says discarded fish and fish that should have been destroyed were involved.

PNS mostly provides primary processing services for Måsøval, but it also sells some fish.

Måsøval said that as a supplier to PNS, it became suspicious of irregularities at the business around four months ago (October 2023). Prior regulatory inspections, controls, and audits had not uncovered the issues.

The announcement states: “Through Måsøval’s board representatives in PNS, immediate action was taken through board instructions to completely halt the irregular activity, freeze storage was sealed, and affected products were recalled.

“Organisational measures were taken promptly, and new and reinforced procedures were implemented at PNS. EY was then engaged to conduct an independent and thorough investigation.

“The Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) was notified in early November, and communication with the authority has been maintained throughout the investigation.”

In brief, the investigation reveals that PNS has allowed certain customers to buy frozen salmon that, according to Norwegian regulations, is not suitable for human consumption.

Måsøval says the investigation is now concluded, and the results have been handed over to the Food Safety Authority for any further investigations it may decide to undertake.

The statement added “Sold fish includes fish that either should have been discarded or ensiled, or production graded fish that should be elaborated in secondary processing before export. The investigation estimates that this turnover of fish not suitable for human consumption constituted just under 1% of the total volume of fish and approximately 0.5% of PNS’s revenue over the last three years.”

Måsøval also says that as a supplier to PNS, it has not gained any profit or participated in any other earnings related to these activities at PNS.

The activities were halted in October 2023. After the investigation and other inquiries until now, there have been no indications that the irregularly traded products have affected people’s health.

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