Criteria for Safe Use of Plant Ingredients in Diets for Aquacultured Fish

Abstract

A thorough review of different aspects on the health implications of using vegetable feed ingredients, both protein and lipid alternatives to fishmeal and fish oil, plus possible additions of immunostimulants, also including a short chapter on undesirable components, the use of genetically modified plants, and how processing may affect feed quality and availability, are given in the different chapters of the present risk assessment. Discussed in particular are Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), rainbow trout (Onchorhyncus mykiss), Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Deemed necessary, since literature on these species is scarce, some theoretical background in the assessment chapter (Chapter 4) includes studies on other species when relevant for the present terms of reference, and to better be able to conclude on possible health implications due to changes in diet ingredients. The answers to the present Terms of Reference are given in Chapter 5 (Risk characterization and conclusions). Chapter 6 presents future challenges that need focus in research to be able to have healthy farming of fish even when volumes increase.