Chilean Salmon: Blood and Antibiotics in Every Bite?

Chile's position as the world's second-largest salmon producer is overshadowed by serious allegations of worker exploitation and environmental degradation. The industry, which is a major supplier to the US, has reported alarmingly high rates of fatal accidents among its workforce. One recent incident involved a diver's death, attributed to violations of safety protocols, prompting legal action and fines against the company involved.

The widespread use of antibiotics in Chilean salmon farms is another critical concern. While many other nations have drastically reduced antibiotic use, Chilean farms continue to use hundreds of tons annually. This practice contributes significantly to water pollution, impacting marine ecosystems and potentially leading to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a risk to human health.