Are farmed fish and shrimp healthy to eat?
Yes. Farmed fish and shrimp can be nutritious choices, providing protein, vitamins and minerals and, depending on the species, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. Nutritional composition varies by species, feed, farming conditions and product.
A balanced diet can include a range of seafood. Advice on how much and which types to eat should follow relevant national dietary guidance, particularly for people with specific nutritional needs.
Frequent questions on health and safety
Are farmed fish and shrimp healthy to eat?
Yes. Regardless of whether it has been caught or farmed, fish and shrimp are a fantastic source of high-quality protein, precious vitamins and minerals.
Is it safe to eat farmed fish and shrimp?
The regulations that govern the harvest and processing of seafood for human consumption rank among the most stringent in the world. Aquaculture standards have been developing for many years and high-quality fish and shrimp feeds are a prerequisite for the industry.
Why choose farmed over wild fish?
There are many positive reasons to choose farmed fish over wild. In many cases, wild populations of fish are under threat due to over-fishing, habitat loss or other changes. We know what a farmed fish has eaten and the level of control over the ingredients, while we have no control over wild fish or possible pollutants they have consumed or been exposed to.