FOI release

FOI - Permit licencing of farmed salmon

Published 13 January 2026

ATI1130 Request

Please could I see the latest analysis and data your organisation has used to permit licencing of farmed salmon.

Can you confirm whether you receive information on all of these methods of testing before issuing licences please and if not why not?

What procedures have you put in place for existing licence holders regarding pollutants and parasitic outbreaks?

1. The chemical analysis for contaminants 2. Microplastic detection 3. Pathogen and parasite testing 4. Nutritional and compositional analysis 5. Biometric and welfare assessments

Can you confirm you see data and information on the conditions of farmed salmon and their management of these recommended methods of testing: GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, real-time PCR, IFAT, VI, NMR, scale microchemistry, and diode frame technology before issuing licences?

Can you confirm that you have policies in place for the management of the following:

1. Persistent Organic Pollutants

2. Heavy Metals

3. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) 4. Micro-plastics 5. Antibiotic residues 6. Pesticides and anti parasitic drugs 7. Pathogens and parasites 8. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

Can you please direct me to the escalation process to DEFRA in the case of outbreaks of pathogen and parasitic issues, or pollutants please?

What is the process for informing the public of such issues and are yourselves or DEFRA leading on public information in these issues?

Our reply

Can you confirm you see data and information on the conditions of farmed salmon and their management of these recommended methods of testing: GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, real-time PCR, IFAT, VI, NMR, scale microchemistry, and diode frame technology ? How do you use this information please?

Under the VMD’s residues programme, the majority of salmon samples (skin and muscle, in natural proportions) are tested for residues using LC-MS. GC-MS, ICP-MS and HPLC-FLD are also used to detect specific substances such as metals, aflatoxins and pyrethroids. Combined, these test methods are used to check for residues of prohibited substances, veterinary medicines and contaminants in salmon samples. If a residue above the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) or action level is found in a sample, an investigation is conducted to establish the cause.

What is the process for informing the public of such issues and are yourselves or DEFRA leading on public information in these issues? – Even if your organisation is not involved please can you tell me how this is managed to the best of your knowledge?

The annual results of the VMD’s testing and investigation activity are published on the VMD’s GOV.UK webpage, dating back to 2011.

What role does the VMD provide in the detection, management and implementing of policies in these areas: 1. The chemical analysis for contaminants 2. Microplastic detection 3. Pathogen and parasite testing 4. Nutritional and compositional analysis 5. Biometric and welfare assessments

Of the above, the VMD is only responsible for the analysis of chemical contaminants in salmon. The VMD plays a coordinating role in terms of delivering the residues programme, and sampling and investigation activity is carried out by Scotland’s Marine Directorate.

Can you direct me to where the non-compliance in the management of these areas is please and what the VMD role is in the management of: 1. Persistent Organic Pollutants 2. Heavy Metals 3. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) 4. Micro-plastics 5. Antibiotic residues 6. Pesticides and anti parasitic drugs 7. Pathogens and parasites 8. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

Of the above, the VMD organises the testing of salmon samples for persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, antibiotic residues, pesticides and parasiticides. Further information on the outputs of this testing programme can be found on the VMD’s GOV.UK webpage, dating back to 2011.