Nordlaks, a major Norwegian salmon producer, has filed a police complaint against Bergen-based company North Tandem following allegations of label forgery. The company alleges its brand was illegally used on products sold to Kazakhstan.
Communications manager Heidi Torkildson Ryste stated the company views the matter seriously. She said they want authorities to investigate potential document forgery and trademark misuse for financial gain.
Internal chats obtained by media show North Tandem's managing director discussing labels falsely identifying Nordlaks as the producer. In one exchange, she sent a laughing emoji when a customer shared an image of the counterfeit label.
Nordlaks confirms it never sold salmon to North Tandem. The company found no orders matching the label information and noted multiple discrepancies in label design compared to their authentic versions.
Another major producer, Mowi, is considering legal action after discovering its former brand name Marine Harvest appeared on fake labels. Communications director Ola Helge Hjetland called the misuse unacceptable.
Alsvåg Lakseslakteri also found its license number used without authorization. Managing director Stian Rydningen confirmed they never had any agreement with North Tandem and described the forged labels as having different layouts and incorrect dates.
North Tandem's managing director declined to comment on the police report but told other media the company purchased fish from various exporters in good faith with proper documentation. She suggested they might be victims of supplier fraud.
Industry organization Sjømat Norge has called for police investigation, warning such cases could damage Norway's seafood reputation. Director Geir Ove Ystmark described Norwegian salmon as the gold standard that must be protected.
Ryste advocates for stronger penalties against illegal exporters, including fines or license revocation. She noted some companies achieved rapid growth that raised questions within the industry.
The case reveals vulnerabilities in a system relying heavily on self-reporting. With Norway's seafood exports being crucial to its economy, such incidents threaten international trust in Norwegian food safety standards.