Popular seafood staple contains up to 64% less of key heart-healthy nutrient than older data showed

A USDA-led study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that farmed Atlantic salmon contains substantially less omega-3 fats than older federal data indicated, fueling renewed debate over nutritional value. Researchers reported 63.8% less eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 47.5% less docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in eight fillets bought from retailers in the mid-Atlantic region. Celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern pushed back on calls to dismiss farmed seafood, arguing instead that the industry should improve practices. He cautioned that a small sample may not represent global production differences, noting that farming methods vary. The USDA said the selection of samples aimed to update existing nutrient tables and emphasized that farmed Atlantic salmon remains a nutritious omega-3 source. Zimmern said consumers should focus on sourcing and production, not only wild versus farmed.