Norwegians Insist Seafood Sourcing the Key to Healthy, Sustainable Choices

Understanding the Importance of Sourcing Seafood

As the U.S. director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, I believe it’s vitally important that American consumers have a clear understanding of where their seafood comes from and why origin makes such a tremendous difference in food safety, freshness and quality.

As Americans look to incorporate more heart-healthy fish into their weekly diets (per the USDA’s new dietary guidelines), it seemed a timely opportunity to share information that may help your audience better understand the importance of sourcing their seafood, including salmon, so they can make confident, informed choices.

There are many misconceptions about farmed salmon. Considering fish that’s available year-round is such an important protein source, I’d like to share with you why Norwegian farmed salmon is both different and superior.  Some recent testimonials that might interest you are below from RD nutrition experts who accompanied us on an educational trip to Norway last year:

• Good Morning America, Health Segment, May 5, 2011 – RD Ashley Koff discussed her original hesitations about farmed salmon and how Norwegian salmon is different and better.  “I was extremely impressed…the analogy I would give is that the farmers in Norway are treating their salmon the way our organic farmers in the U.S. treat their farms.”

• Kate Geagan, MS, RD, blogger, “From Fjord to Fork?” My Firsthand Look at a Norwegian Salmon Farm,” June 5, 2011 – Geagan discussed how Norway’s rigorous standards for salmon farming earned her confidence and admiration. “According to the World Wildlife Fund, Norway is ranked number one in the world when it comes to compliance with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) code of conduct for responsible fishing.”

Read Also: Chef Nancy’s Recipe for Health