Stiftung Warentest: Quality of Farmed Salmon Better than Wild Salmon
Mar 12, 2018 - Foods
Stiftung Warentest: Quality of Farmed Salmon Better than Wild Salmon
In the March 2018 issue of Stiftung Warentest, a total of 30 salmon fillets were tested, including 7 fresh and 14 frozen farmed salmon fillets as well as 9 frozen wild salmon fillets. 5 of the farmed salmon fillets were organic products. Below is a summary of the test parameters:
- Sensory (appearance, smell, taste and mouthfeel): The sensory examination was conducted in the raw state as well as cooked in a water bath in a cooking bag. One farmed salmon sample was rated sufficient due to a slightly dull and slightly fishy smell and taste.
- Contaminants: The following contaminants were checked: Ethoxyquin and degradation product (dimer), antibiotics and anti-parasitic agents (only in farmed salmon), heavy metals, organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluorinated surfactants, malachite green. Ethoxyquin is an additive for fish feed, the use of which has been stopped by the EU due to concerns regarding human and fish health as well as the environment.
- Microbiology: The products were tested for total number of germs, salmonella, and listeria. No product was microbiologically conspicuous.
- Nematodes (only in wild salmon): Nematodes and nematode fragments were counted in five fillets of each product.
- Packaging: Among other things, the ease of opening and removing the content from the packaging was evaluated, as well as whether information on the packaging material and originality protection is present.
- Declaration: The completeness and correctness of the legally required labeling elements were checked, as were extra details on origin and catch, storage instructions, and color deviations of the fillets from the content. Furthermore, the readability and clarity of the information were assessed.
Frequent downgrades or unsatisfactory grades were given mainly due to:
- Some farmed salmon fillets contained residues of ethoxyquin and a degradation product (dimer).
- Sensory in wild salmon: 6 wild salmon fillets scored satisfactory, two sufficient. They smelled and partially tasted only slightly or not at all of salmon and slightly dull. Some tasted slightly bitter.
- Nematodes in wild salmon: Nematodes were detected in all wild salmon. Nematodes die once the fish is frozen, cooked, or salted. The products were rated sufficient because many consumers are disgusted by them.
For questions about the tests, our customer advisors are very happy to assist you.