Farmed Salmon Perfectly Safe To Eat But Just Don't Swim Near It, Says Tassie

EFFIE BATEMAN | Lifestyle | Contact

In some news that will reassure the nation’s sushi enthusiasts, the Tasmanian government has confirmed that even though the salmon they just pumped a fuck ton of antibiotics into might not be safe to swim, fish or surf near, is perfectly safe for humans to consume.

This comes as the Australian government recently granted emergency approval for the antibiotic Florfenicol to be pumped into open water pens to treat diseased salmon, which are suffering from an endemic bacterium due to overcrowding and warming temperatures.

Salmon Australia previously admitted that diseased fish were being sold for consumption.

Tests of the water surrounding the pens show that the antibiotics have already spread, with nearby native fish containing up to five times more the accepted antibiotic levels.

This has prompted the partial closure of Tasmania's rock lobster fishery which is located near the salmon farms, due to China's rules for imported seafood containing no traces of antibiotics.

The use of antibiotics can significantly alter the microbial diversity of surrounding environments, and prompt antibiotic resistance.  

Chile, which is the the second largest producer of farmed salmon in the world, is reported to also have the highest use of antibiotics in aquaculture, resulting in two thirds of Chilean farmed salmon rated red (avoid) by Seafood Watch as it poses a significant risk to the environment.

In comparison, Norway, which is the largest producer of farmed salmon, has significantly reduced the use of chemicals and antibiotics in their aquaculture,  maintaining its near 'zero-use' standard for antibiotics .

More to come.