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The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) has launched a consultation on proposals to change Norway's regulations on aquaculture feed ingredients, specifically loosening restrictions on GM-based feed.
The proposed changes, submitted by Mattilsynet on behalf of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, would enable feed produced from genetically modified organisms that have already been approved in the EU to be freely traded in Norway for use in fish feed.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority also said it is proposing "a clarification" on exemptions for GM products in feed for scientific use.
Norway currently has some of the strictest rules in Europe on GM ingredients, including in animal and fish feed, and although the country is part of the European Economic Area (EEA), the EU legislation on GM food and feed has not been incorporated into the EEA Agreement, leaving Norway with its own approval system.
The proposal would see an exemption put in place for processed GM feed ingredients for aquaculture, provided they have already been assessed and approved by EU regulators as safe for human and animal health and the environment - an assessment which is made by the European Food Safety Authority.
In the consultation document, the Norwegian authority sets out several arguments in favour of the changes. One of the main themes is that of competitive disadvantage with neighbouring countries. Mattilsynet notes that the disparity on GM regulation between Norway and the EU "has created different competitive conditions for Norwegian businesses than businesses in the EU, including for fish feed businesses." Meanwhile, it notes, "GM feed approved in the EU is automatically approved in the UK".
Another key theme is that of supply risks, considering Norway’s aquaculture sector is heavily reliant on imported feed ingredients, with more than 90% sourced from abroad - and considering risk factors such as geopolitical instability, climate change and limited supplies of GMO-free feed ingredients such as soy.
“Without changes to the feed regulations, we expect greater challenges for feed producers in terms of access to conventional, sustainable raw materials, and corresponding challenges with increased costs,” the consultation states.
However, Norwegian society's stance on GM ingredients could prove an important factor in the ultimate decision. The country has traditionally taken a precautionary approach to GM ingredients, although in 2023 it approved the first GM ingredient for aquaculture feed, an Omega-3 canola oil derivative.
The proposals are open for consultation until 18 June via the Norwegian Food Safety Authority website.