Researchers at Norway’s Institute of Marine Research (IMR) have identified PFAS compounds, a group of persistent synthetic compounds, and their chemical precursors in a range of ingredients used in salmon feed, suggesting current monitoring methods may not capture the full picture of the substances entering aquaculture production.
The study found PFAS in fishmeal, fish oils, plant oils and plant proteins. Fishmeal generally contained the highest levels, although some plant oils showed elevated concentrations of certain compounds.
Researchers said they detected more PFAS precursor compounds, substances that can be converted into PFAS, than PFAS themselves. According to HI, this indicates that existing analytical methods may underestimate the total PFAS burden associated with feed ingredients.
The study did not assess PFAS levels in salmon fillets. Instead, the researchers said the findings highlight the need for further work to identify sources of PFAS precursors and better understand how they behave within aquaculture production systems.
The research was conducted through Norway’s fish feed monitoring programme and is intended to support the development of future regulatory frameworks for PFAS in animal feed.
