Response to New York Times Article: Salmon Virus Indicts Chile's Fishing Methods

MIAMI, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chilean Salmon Industry Association deeply regrets the numerous errors of the article, offering a biased view of our industry and product, which is consumed daily by over 6 million consumers worldwide.

The article falsely accuses us of using hormones in the production of salmon. Also includes the idea of abusive use of antibiotics. All products used in Chile are authorized and controlled by our authorities. Inspections of products are done to all lots at several different times and random sampling done at the borders. Malachite green is not used in the Chilean production since it was banned 4 years ago. Last year, FDA found no positive results regarding the existence of malachite green, or any other drug residues when testing samples of imported Chilean salmon.

Regarding virus ISA, which does not affect human beings, it was found in only 2.7% of the breeding centers in Chile, representing 0.012% of the total fish. Norway, world's largest salmon producer, registers this sickness since 1984. Norway, has had around 400 outbreaks since first diagnosed, last year 10 detections where made. Anyway this is a concern for Chilean producers, measures done in coordination with the government are being taken to control the problem.

Our country is highly concerned about producing healthy food, having the Chilean Government set the highest standards and regulations to the salmon industry, in order to provide the world a healthy product, produced in a clean and sustainable environment.