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At request from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA), VKM has identified food groups and food items consumed by the Norwegian population that are relevant for monitoring regarding content of one or more undesirable chemical substances (Figure 1). Undesirable chemical substances were defined as chemical substances in food that may constitute a potential health risk. Paid open access

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) initiated this work to examine the extent to which organisms developed by genome-editing technologies pose new challenges in terms of risk assessment. This report considers whether the risk assessment guidance on genetically modified organisms, developed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), can be applied to evaluate potential risks of organisms developed by genome editing.

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) initiated this work to examine the extent to which organisms developed by genome-editing technologies pose new challenges in terms of risk assessment. This report considers whether the risk assessment guidance on genetically modified organisms, developed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), can be applied to evaluate potential risks of organisms developed by genome editing.

Rensefisk benyttes for å kontrollere mengden lakselus i oppdrett av laksefisk i sjø i Norge. Behovet for rensefisk har økt markant siden 2010 på grunn av resistensutvikling mot medikamentelle behandlinger hos lakselus (Skiftesvik et al. 2014; Aaen et al. 2015; Rueness et al. 2019). På tross av at produksjonen av oppdrettet rensefisk, primært rognkjeks, har økt kraftig de siste årene, så har det ikke redusert behovet for villfanget leppefisk som rensefisk. Leppefiskeriet har blitt en svært viktig næring for kystfiskere i Agder. Da ålefisket ble forbudt i 2006, gikk mange over til å fiske leppefisk som kan utføres med samme redskap og fartøy. På Sørlandet har fiskerne leveringsavtaler med oppkjøpere som transporterer og videreselger leppefisken til oppdrettsanlegg hovedsakelig i Midt- og Nord-Norge. Fiskeriet på Skagerrakkysten er ikke jevnt fordelt, hoveddelen (ca 80 %) av fangsten tas i Agder (Figur 1). Fiskepresset på leppefisk anses å være lavt fra Telemark og til Svenskegrensen. Ytterligere informasjon om fangsttall, verdi og fartøy i de ulike regionene finnes på Fiskeridirektoratets nettsider: https://www.fiskeridir.no/Yrkesfiske/Tall-og-analyse/Fangst-ogkvoter/Fangst-av-leppefisk. Man har inntil nylig hatt lite kunnskap om hvor mye beskatning leppefiskbestandene tåler og hvilke økologiske konsekvenser et eventuelt overfiske kan medføre. På Skagerrakkysten fangstes det på tre ulike leppefiskarter, bergnebb (Ctenolabrus rupestris), grønngylte (Symphodus melops) og berggylte (Labrus bergylta). Grasgylt (Centrolabrus exoletus) og Rødnebb/Blåstål (Labrus mixtus) regnes som bifangst på Sørlandet siden de ikke egner seg for langdistansetransport. Det forekommer noe bruk av disse artene lokalt på Vestlandet. I tillegg tas det en del bifangst av andre fisk og skalldyr, som kan forårsake skade på leppefisken, samt av kyst-torsk og hummer, ikoniske arter som er truet av overfiske på Skagerrak-kysten (Fernández-Chacón et al. 2015; Sørdalen et al. 2018). Taskekrabbe brukes som agn i leppefisket, men må fiskes med egne krabbeteiner. Regelverket pålegger at all bifangst som fanges i Kunnskapsbasert innovasjon for optimal ressursutnyttelse i leppefiskeriet 1 - Bakgrunn for prosjektet 4/21 leppefiskredskap skal slippes ut på fangststedet. I Agder er det dokumentert høyere forekomster av leppefisk innad i bevaringsområder sammenliknet med nærliggende områder med åpent fiske, noe som tyder på at fiskeriet kan ha en bestandsregulerende effekt (Figur 2; Halvorsen et al. 2017). HIs råd om kvoter og reguleringer har vært basert på en føre-var-tilnærming for å stoppe en videre ekspansjon i fiskeriet før man har tilstrekkelig kunnskap om bestandenes tåleevne og svingninger. Fiskeridirektoratet forvalter bestandene ved bruk av flere ulike reguleringer, herunder gytetidsfredning, fluktåpninger, artsspesifikke minstemål, fartøykvoter og totalkvoter for ulike regioner. På Sørlandet er totalfangsten begrenset til fire millioner leppefisk årlig. For å gi råd om forsvarlig uttak av bestandene etablerte HI i 2011 et nettverk av referansefiskere som leverte fangstrapporter. Bestandsutviklingen ble representert ved regionale trender i fangst-per-enhet-innsats (Catch per unit effort; CPUE, heretter), men datagrunnlaget var for variabelt til å kunne konkludere med at endringer i CPUE reflekterte faktiske endringer i bestandsstørrelse. I dette prosjektet har vi fokusert på å ta i bruk ny teknologi og forbedre rapporteringsrutiner i fiskeriavhengig datainnsamling for å få kunnskap om leppefiskens romlige økologi. For fiskeriet på Skagerrak vil dette kunne bidra til mer kunnskap om ressursfordelingen og hvordan de kan utnyttes bedre og mer effektivt, samtidig som at dette muliggjør en bedre bestandsovervåking og grunnlag for å gi mer presise kvoteråd. I Prosjektet har vi også utnyttet tilgjengelige dataserier for å få en oversikt over bestandsutviklingen i Skagerrak. Merkeforsøk har blitt gjennomført for å få bedre kunnskap om romlig adferd og fangbarhet. Resultatene har blitt fortløpende inkludert i HIs kunnskapsstøtte til Fiskeridirektoratet, og det nasjonale referansefiskernettverket har tatt i bruk metodene for fangstrapportering som er utviklet i dette prosjektet. Det arbeides med å ferdigstille publikasjoner for fagfellevurderte tidsskrifter, og i denne rapporten vil det kun gis en kort oppsummering av disse studiene.

The present study aimed at measuring the levels of legacy and emerging contaminants in fillet samples from four demersal fish caught in two fishing sites from Southern Norway, in order to assess possible implications for food safety. Levels of organochlorine compounds (OCs), organophosphate pesticides (OPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybromodiphenyl ethers (PBDE), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in fillet from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), lemon sole (Microstomus kitt), and European flounder (Platichthys flesus) specimens. A negligible contamination by all the investigated chemicals was noted in both the fishing sites, as very low levels of OCs, PCBs, and PFASs were noted in a limited number of individuals for each species. Considering the levels of contaminants measured in fillets of the four demersal fish species, negligible risk for human health for Norwegian consumers can be supposed.

The steering committee of VKM has self-initiated a mandate for an opinion on microplastics based on recently published international and/or national reports complemented with literature from December 2016 to February 2019. The mandate requested a summary of the state of knowledge on the presence of microplastics in the environment and the implications for the ecosystem, terrestrial and aquatic organisms, food production and human health. An overview of main national and international ongoing initiatives was also requested, and highlighting of data gaps where specific Norwegian data was needed. VKM appointed a working group consisting of two VKM members and eight external experts (two are former VKM-members), in addition to a project leader from the VKM secretariat to write the assessment.

Source at https://vkm.no/download/18.7d363f6e16d16151068849d0/1568620629508/Ranking%20of%20substances%20for%20monitoring%20in%20foods,%20drinks%20and%20dietary%20supplements.pdf The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) requested the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) to provide an overview of substances in foods, drinks and dietary supplements that may constitute a potential health risk for humans, based on the VKM members’ expert judgements. VKM was further requested to perform a ranking of these substances. Additionally, VKM should give an overiview of the foods, drinks and dietary supplements most relevant for monitoring, and describe what would be the adequate sampling procedure and number of samples. Monitoring procedures were included to ensure that the monitoring performed is representative for the occurrence of the substances in foods, drinks and/or dietary supplements consumed by the Norwegian population. The substances requested to be included were food additives and flavourings, substances used in food contact materials, environmental contaminants, process-induced substances and natural toxins. Substances not to be included were veterinary medicine residues, illegal pharmaceuticals and pesticide residues. The overview provided by VKM included substances belong to the following groups and subgroups of substances: Natural toxins; with the sub-groups mycotoxins, plant toxins, marine and freshwater algae toxins Metals and metalloids Persistent organic pollutants (POPs); with the sub-groups brominated flame retardants, dechloranes, dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs), non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL-PCBs), perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) and siloxanes Substances in food contact materials; with the sub-groups bisphenols and phthalates Flavourings Additives; with the sub-groups nitrites and nitrates, phosphates, sweeteners and synthetic antioxidants Process-induced contaminants; with the sub-groups acrylamide, esterified 3- and 2- monochloropropane-1,2-diol (MCPD), glycidyl fatty esters (GEs), furans, heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) «Other substances» Trace elements The ranking of the substances is based on inherent toxicity (hazard) and level of exposure (both occurrence and intake). In addition, vulnerable groups, adequacy of toxicity data and lack of exposure data were considered. A simple methodology was chosen. More advanced methodology may be used in later updates of this ranking, if found useful.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health (PLH) performed a pest categorisation of Mycodiella laricis-leptolepidis , a well-de fi ned and distinguishable fungal species of the family Mycosphaerellaceae. The former species name Mycosphaerella laricis-leptolepis is used in the Council Directive 2000/29/EC. The pathogen is regulated in Annex IAI as a harmful organism whose introduction into the EU is banned. M. laricis-leptolepidis is native to East Asia and causes a disease known as needle cast of Japanese larch ( Larix kaempferi = Larix leptolepis ) and Kurile larch ( Larix gmelinii ). European larch ( Larix decidua ) was found to be susceptible to the disease as introduced tree in Japan. The fungus could enter the EU via plants for planting and cut branches of Larix spp. It could establish in the EU, as hosts are present and climatic conditions are favourable. The pathogen would be able to spread following establishment by human movement of infected plants for planting and by dissemination of ascospores. Should the pathogen be introduced in the EU, impacts can be expected due to needle loss in larch forests and plantations, thus leading to reduced tree growth and ecosystem service provision. The use of resistant/tolerant varieties can reduce the impacts. The key uncertainties are the knowledge gaps concerning (i) the potential range of spread through ascospores and (ii) the level of impacts in the native range of the pathogen. The criteria assessed by the Panel for consideration as a potential quarantine pest are met. For regulated non-quarantine pests, the criterion on the pest presence in the EU is not met.

Source at https://vkm.no/download/18.2251cf2016368db15f982b15/1527073920923/Oppsummering%20fra%20VKMs%20vitenskapelige%20uttalelser%202016-2017%20Kunnskapsbehov%20av%20betydning%20for%20mattrygghet%20og%20besky. Målet med denne rapporten er å synliggjøre kunnskapsbehov som er viktige for å sikre trygg mat og beskyttelse av miljøet i årene som kommer, og forbedre den nasjonale kunnskapsbasen. Rapporten er den siste i en serie av rapporter om kunnskapsbehov publisert av Vitenskapskomiteen for mat og miljø (VKM, tidligere Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet). Den løfter frem kunnskapsbehov som er identifisert i VKMs vitenskapelige uttalelser i perioden 2016 til 2017

Source at https://vkm.no/ The goal of this report is to highlight research needs and data gaps that are of future importance for food safety and protection of the environment and thereby improve the national knowledge-base. This report is the latest in a series of reports on research needs and data gaps published periodically by the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM), former Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM), and thus seeks to highlight research needs and data gaps identified in and related to VKMs scientific opinions for 2016 and 2017 only. Målet med denne rapporten er å synliggjøre kunnskapsbehov som er viktige for å sikre trygg mat og beskyttelse av miljøet i årene som kommer, og forbedre den nasjonale kunnskapsbasen. Rapporten er den siste i en serie av rapporter om kunnskapsbehov publisert av Vitenskapskomiteen for mat og miljø (VKM, tidligere Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet). Den løfter frem kunnskapsbehov som er identifisert i VKMs vitenskapelige uttalelser i perioden 2016 til 2017.

Source at https://vkm.no/ Summary report from VKM’s scientific opinions for 2016 - 2017The goal of this report is to highlight research needs and data gaps that are of future importance for food safety and protection of the environment and thereby improve the national knowledge base. This report is the latest in a series of reports on research needs and data gaps published periodically by the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM), former Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM), and thus seeks to highlight research needs and data gaps identified in and related to VKMs scientific opinions for 2016 and 2017 only.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the citrus thrips, Scirtothrips citri (Moulton) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), for the European Union (EU). This is a well-de fi ned and distinguishable species, occurring in North America and Asia. Its precise distribution in Asia is uncertain. S. citri is a pest of citrus and blueberries and has been cited on over 50 different host species in 33 plant families. Whether all plants reported as hosts are true hosts, allowing population development of S. citri , is uncertain. S. citri feeds exclusively on young actively growing foliage and fruit. It is not known to occur in the EU and is listed in Annex IIAI of 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism. The international trade of hosts, as either plants for planting or cut fl owers, provide potential pathways into the EU. However, current EU legislation prohibits the import of citrus plants for planting. Furthermore, measures aimed at the import of plants for planting in a dormant stage (no young foliage or fruits present) with no soil/growing medium attached, decreases the likelihood of the pest ’ s entry via other hosts. Considering that there are regional climatic similarities where S. citri occurs in the USA with climates in the EU, and taking EU host distribution into account, S. citri has the potential to establish in the EU, especially in citrus and blueberry growing regions around the Mediterranean where quality losses in citrus and yield losses in blueberry could occur. Phytosanitary measures are available to inhibit the likelihood of introduction of S. citri from infested countries. Considering the criteria within the remit of EFSA to assess its status as a potential Union quarantine pest (QP) or as a potential regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP), S. citri meets with no uncertainties the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union QP.

Since 1986, the management of radioactive contamination in food and feed in Norway has been driven mainly by the Chernobyl Disaster follow-up. Monitoring and countermeasures are still in place to reduce the exposure to the population. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority is in the process of revising the maximum levels (MLs) for radioactive substances in drinking water and food and establishing new ones where necessary (including for feed). These MLs are to be applicable in the management of the normal situation, immediately subsequent to any accidents, and possibly in the long-term follow-up period after accidents. As part of this process, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority requested the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety to assess the risk that radioactivity in food and feed poses to human health. More specifically, VKM was requested to address the following questions in the Terms of Reference (ToR): ToR1: What is the current health risk from radioactivity in food –food gathering and hunting included – to the whole population and specific groups in Norway? ToR2: What health risk would the current levels of caesium-137 measured in live reindeer and sheep pose to the whole population and specific groups, if no efforts were made to reduce them? ToR3: What would be the implication to the health risk if the ML for reindeer meat was reduced from 3000 to 1500 or 600 Bq/kg, respectively – for the whole population and for specific groups? ToR4: Would the procedure and the maximum levels laid down in the Euratom Treaty regulation on radioactive contamination of foodstuffs and feedstuffs following a nuclear accident be appropriate for managing similar scenarios in Norway?

Phytophthora ramorum er et patogen som kan gjøre skade på en rekke vertsplanter og som i Norge har status som karanteneskadegjører. I 2016 mottok NIBIO totalt 383 prøver fra Mattilsynet for analyse for P. ramorum. Prøvene ble analysert med real-time PCR spesifikk for P. ramorum og/eller ved isolering på semiselektivt medium PARP og påføgende mikroskoperng. Prøveantallet inkluderte prøver fra 13 importsendinger, og P. ramorum ble påvist i 6 av dem. En av de positive prøvene var av pyramidelyng (Pieris japonica) og de andre var av rododendron. Sendingene kom fra Belgia og Nederland. Det ble gjennomført kontroller i 40 planteskoler og hagesentre. I 11 av dem ble det påvist P. ramorum. I alt ble det analysert 98 prøver, og det ble påvist P. ramorum i 40 av de. Alle de positive prøvene var av rododendron. Planteskolene med påvisning var lokalisert i Øst-, Vest- og Midt-Norge. I seks av planteskolene ble det gjennomført en ‘baiting’-test av rotklumper fra planter som ikke viste Phytophthora-symptomer på blader eller kvister. I 6 rododendronprøver fra en av planteskolene ble det påvist P. ramorum etter ‘baiting’. Det ble analysert 234 prøver fra grøntanlegg, og det ble påvist P. ramorum i 55 av disse. Alle påvisningene var fra kystområder på Sør-Vestlandet, med unntak av en prøve fra Midt-Norge (Stjørdal)