Aker Seafoods facility closed – Fishupdate.com

A FOOD Safety Authority inspector called the conditions the worst he had ever seen, after falling ill at the Aker Seafoods facility in Vardø in northern Norway.

According to Aftenposten, the FSA shut down the Aker Seafoods unit after three inspectors carried out a check on Oct 1.

Large areas of damp and rot damage were found, and mould growth and formations behind wall panels throughout the plant, NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting) reports.

Inspector Håkon Arne Larsen discovered large areas of rot after tearing away a few plastic panels in the landing and cold storage areas. He developed breathing difficulties and an aggressive rash on his face. The other inspectors became dizzy, nauseated and experienced headaches.

Larsen told NRK that after touching one of the infected areas he touched his face before washing his hands and immediately developed a rash.

Regional director for Aker Seafoods in Finnmark County, Roger Sørensen, was unaware of the conditions.

“This is new to us, and we have had previous inspections where mould and rot were not detected. We have to sit down and take a look at the cause of what the FSA has found, Sørensen said.

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