Finnish fish labelled for dioxin

Finnish fish products are to be given a label that will show how much of the toxic chemical dioxin they contain.

An ellipse-shaped symbol on jars or cans of fish means the dioxin content does not exceed the maximum limits set by the European Union. A rectangular symbol will indicate that the dioxin level is higher.

The new rules kicked in July 1.

The system was required after Finland got special permission from the EU to use fish caught in the Baltic Sea, whose dioxin content exceeds the maximum levels set by the EU.

Finland and Sweden have been given special permission to exceed the maximum levels of dioxin in fish sold in the two countries until the end of 2006.

Baltic herring and sprat more than 17 centimetres long, as well as salmon caught in the Baltic Sea, will bear the rectangular symbol for high dioxin content. Under the rules, these fish can’t be exported to any other EU countries, except Sweden.