Farm-raised salmon contain PCBs and dioxin
Researchers find levels to be ten times higher in farm-raised salmon than in wild salmon.

By Joel Fuhrman, M.D.

A new study has found surprisingly high levels of PCBs and dioxin in farm-raised salmon.

The study analyzed toxic contaminants in 700 salmon collected in markets in 16 cities in Europe
and North America. PCBs were found to average 36.6 parts per billion. Researchers found that
levels of both dioxin and PCBs were about 10 times higher in farm-raised salmon than in wild
salmon. European-raised salmon was the most contaminated.

Not unexpectedly, American health officials’ response was that this level of contamination
should not stop consumers from eating salmon. But, why should consumers unnecessarily expose
themselves to known toxic carcinogens? We do not have to consume salmon to get our needed
EPA and DHA fat.

If you eat salmon, eat only the wild Alaskan variety. If you eat fish once a week, use mostly the
lower-fat, less contaminated fish, such as tilapia.Take DHA in supplements, rather than depending on toxic fish.

Risk analysis indicates that consumption of farmed Atlantic salmon may pose health risks that
detract from the beneficial effects of fish consumption.