Marine Harvest Canada, along with all other MH Business Units worldwide, performs product testing for heavy metals. This testing program started in 2002 as a way to assure customers that there were no concerns with regard to the PCB levels and mercury levels found in our fish. Food Safety Manager Jean Veale opined that the company is doing due diligence, adding that the company began routinely testing for PCBs before it became the more widespread concern it is currently.
It is told that PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyls, are a class of organic compounds that were used industrially in transformers, coolants, sealants, and paints until their production was banned in the 1970s. Research by international health organizations has determined that PCBs are potentially cancer-causing.
It is said that most nations where Marine Harvest operates have set acceptable levels for heavy metals and PCBs with regard to human health risks. The limits are highly variable between countries and are generally set at a level that is 10 to 100 times lower than what would be considered “safe” for human consumption. Jean told that all Marine Harvest companies, including Canada, are well under the Belgium’s threshold.
Jean also said that regular testing allows us to be proactive and increase the probability of catching any potential issues early. The importance of being prepared with accurate data for customers is reinforced by Sales Director Ken Taylor.
