The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has relaxed certain fish freezing requirements in the UK. Under the new requirements, certain farmed fish destined to be eaten raw in dishes like sushi no longer need to be frozen before use.
This move comes after a research commissioned by the Food Standards Agency in Scotland showed there is a negligible risk of parasites from farmed salmon.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reviewed the available evidence on the presence of parasites in wild and farmed fish, after which European Commission and member states reviewed the hygiene legislation and agreed to the new requirements.
FSA noted that the new requirements allow a risk-based approach to be taken when applying the freezing requirements for fishery products. These requirements are being implemented in all UK countries.
FSA Food Hygiene Policy Branch head Linden Jack said the relaxation of these rules is good news for fish producers who are putting efforts to minimize the risk of parasites in fish.
"It will mean less of a regulatory burden on their business, without compromising consumer safety," Jack added.
