Listeria Scandal Plagues Polar Salmon Hjerting Laks A/S
The ongoing listeria investigation has cast a shadow over Polar Salmon Hjerting Laks A/S, a prominent salmon producer based in Esbjerg. With ties to Greenland through its parent company, Polar Seafood Denmark—a firm partly owned by Polar Seafood Greenland—the situation has raised significant concerns both locally and internationally.
On February 11, Danish trade media outlet Food Supply reported that two individuals, along with Polar Salmon itself, have been charged in connection with the escalating listeria scandal. The charges have thrust one of Denmark’s largest producers of smoked salmon and halibut further into the spotlight, heightening scrutiny on its operations.
Sermitsiaq reached out to Henrik Leth, the chairman of Polar Salmon and managing director of Polar Seafood Denmark, for insights into the unfolding situation. In his response, Leth expressed a commitment to transparency: “It is encouraging that steps are being taken to identify accountability within our operations.” He added that, “Polar Salmon is cooperating fully with the authorities to thoroughly address concerns outlined by the Danish Food and Drug Administration in January 2025.”
Former Director Faces Charges
Among those charged is Christoph Kjærgaard, the former director and co-owner of Polar Salmon, who has confirmed his involvement in the investigation. When questioned whether any current board or management members were implicated, Leth firmly asserted, “No current members of our team have been charged.”
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Leth remarked, “This is a serious process. Since the onset of the inquiry, we have sought guidance from industry experts and are committed to making the necessary improvements within the company.” He emphasized ongoing investments in equipment upgrades and employee training, amounting to millions of kroner.
Fatal Consequences
The ramifications of the listeria outbreak have been dire, with reports linking bacteria from Polar Salmon’s facility to at least 27 illnesses and four fatalities over the years. This information was corroborated by the Statens Serum Institut earlier this year. In a previous statement, Leth extended his condolences, admitting that the company had notified food authorities about a retracted batch but neglected to mention another batch still in circulation.
The police have now concluded their investigation, and the findings are set to be submitted to the prosecution, which will determine whether further legal action is warranted. The timeline for completing this process remains unclear.
Listeria is a particularly dangerous bacterium, capable of thriving in refrigerated conditions, and poses a severe risk, especially to vulnerable populations, with a mortality rate hovering around 25%.
Financial Repercussions
The police inquiry could exert significant pressure on the company, prompting a series of inquiries regarding its financial health. In light of the ongoing challenges, we posed questions to Leth about the economic impact on Polar Salmon and its parent company, Polar Seafood Denmark.
While reluctant to delve into specifics regarding customer relations or financial performance, Leth noted, “Our annual accounts for 2025 will reflect the substantial costs incurred as a result of the listeria case.” He acknowledged the loss of key partnerships, including collaborations with COOP and Rema1000, but maintained that an in-depth discussion on customer relations was not currently possible.
Potential for Future Risks
The scandal echoes a recent crisis in the food industry, notably the “sausage scandal” involving Jørn A. Rullepølser A/S, which resulted in a factory closure tied to listeria infections that claimed 12 lives. Given these recent events, we inquired about the potential ramifications for Polar Salmon.
While Leth did not respond directly to the possibility of the company facing closure, the stakes for Polar Salmon can hardly be overstated.
Polar Salmon Hjerting Laks A/S is wholly owned by Polar Seafood Denmark, which in turn has a diverse ownership structure involving both Greenlandic and Danish entities, including S-13 Holding Aps, linked to the Icelandic company Brim hf.
As the investigation unfolds, industry observers and consumers alike are left watching closely, hoping for resolution and accountability in a matter that has already shaken public confidence in food safety.