Levels of toxaphene indicator compounds in fish meal, fish oil and fish feed

Three toxaphene indicator compounds were determined in fish oil and fish meal of different origin and raw material as well as in feed containing fish oil and fish meal. Fish oil and fish meal from South America contained no or only traces of the indicator congeners. The sum of the three compounds varied in fish oils from Europe between 13 micrograms/kg fat (sand eel oil) and 206 micrograms/kg fat (cod oil). Varying concentrations were also determined in European fish meal and in feed. Toxaphene indicator compounds were as well detected in trout and salmon fed with toxaphene residues containing feed. Results indicate that feed can contribute to toxaphene contamination of farmed salmon from Europe.