PCB’s and Dioxins in Reindeer Meat in East Finnmark, Pressure on Swedish Reindeer Pastures
According to Mattilsynet (the Norwegian Food and Drug Administration) tests on reindeer meat from the Jarfjord and Svanvik area in the East Finnmark region, which is only kilometres from the Nikel nickel smelter over the Russian border have been found to contain high levels of PCB’s and Dioxins. The smelter has been a large point source of heavy metals emissions in the region for years. Although Mattilsynet stated that normal consumption amounts of reindeer meat are not a matter for concern, at risk groups should exercise caution if consuming more than the average amounts of meat from this region.
Meanwhile, in Sweden, the increased interest in mining and alternative energy sources such as wind power means more pressure on reindeer pastures according to Malin Brannstrom of the Swedish Sámi National Association.
