European Commission: Eyesight Problems if Salmon Is too Pink

Yesterday's directive from the European Commission limits the levels of canthaxanthin, a chemical colorant used to give salmon more color. The reason for the Commission's decision is the link revealed by some scientific studies between a high intake of the substance and eyesight problems: the additive in fact produces an accumulation of pigments in the retina, thus affecting eyesight.

By December 1, therefore, all legislation must implement the directive, which sets a maximum concentration of 25 grams (compared to the current 80 grams) per kilo of feed for salmon and for other animals, such as trout and poultry. The Irish commissioner for Consumer Health and Protection, David Byrne, emphasized, however, that only a prolonged intake of huge levels of the canthaxanthin in salmon could be a health hazard.

The first studies on this substance began in 1997 when the Commission appointed its Scientific Committee to research into the matter. In April 2002 the Committee concluded that it was necessary to reduce the levels of canthaxanthin. The decision was taken by the EU Institution yesterday.

(Source: Corriere della Sera)