Statement on Health Canada Enforcement Bulletins

These incidents, which occurred over a year ago, stem from a packaging problem with the approved pest control product Salmosan 50 WP that has since been resolved. The salmon farming companies alerted regulators to the problem and provided them with their treatment records.

According to the label directions on the product at the time, farmers were authorized to use up to 90 grams of Salmosan per treatment in well-boats; however, the product came packaged in 100 gram doses only. Since this product can only be measured and repackaged in a controlled lab, on-site veterinarians could not remove 10 grams of product. The packaging issue has been addressed with the vendor.

The well-boat treatments applied were significantly below any level that would have any negative impact to fish quality, fish health or to the environment, and the 100 grams of product administered is significantly lower than the 1000 grams of product that is authorized for use when treatments are conducted in a skirted net pen.

Atlantic Canada’s salmon farmers are committed to protecting the marine environment where they work and live. They work collaboratively with researchers and veterinarians to ensure any approved treatment products they use are administered according to the label directions.