Dangerous drug found in supermarket salmon

A dangerous unlicensed drug has been found in samples of farmed salmon, a government study revealed today.

The levels of malachite green in salmon bought from a Morrisons supermarket in Newcastle were almost double the recommended European Commission limits.

The drug is known to cause a severe shortness of breath and damage the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.

The Morrisons sample showed the drug at levels of 4.9 parts per billion - above the EC's limit of 2 parts per billion.

The Food Standards Agency is investigating the affected fish farm in Scotland. The Government also issued a warning over the chemical.

The drug is often used to treat diseases in salmon. But it has never been licensed for use in the UK, despite more than 10 years of monitoring.

A statement from the firm said: "Morrisons use approved suppliers for this product who we believe to have rigorously followed all regulations relating to malachite green. Indeed, we are aware that the supplier ceased using it in 2002."

However, the samples tested by the Government were bought in February this year.

More than 92 samples were tested in the study.