Mislabeling in Fisheries: The Hidden Truth Behind Your Favourite Fish Dishes

Have you ever ordered fish at a restaurant and been served something else entirely? It's not uncommon, and it's a problem that affects many seafood lovers. Let's explore this issue and why consumers should be more aware.

Personal Experience with Fish Mislabeling

Back in Manaus, in the heart of the Amazon, I ordered Dorado in a local café and was served a Red-Tailed Catfish. While this meal was delicious, I knew it wasn't exactly what I had asked for. This incident highlights the issue of mislabeling in the restaurant and food service industry.

Dorado Catfish Image from Google

Contrast this with the Red-Tailed Catfish, which I ate without complaint. The deliciousness of the meal is one thing, but the issue of mislabeling is quite another. Researchers have found that fish mislabeling is a common occurrence. While I am British and used to ordering Cod, pollock or whiting is commonly passed off as Cod in fish and chip shops.

Widespread Mislabeling in the UK

In 2014, the UK Food Standards Agency tested over 300 fish and chip shops and found that one in seven were selling cheaper white fish as Cod. This isn't just about deception on the part of the shops; it can happen at any stage in the supply chain. A fillet of white fish can be incredibly difficult to identify when it's battered and cooked. Without expertise, it's near impossible to know whether a battered white fish fillet is indeed Cod.

One of my favorite local fish and chip shops, Coleman's, proudly displays the name of the boat that caught that day's fish on a blackboard. This is where I source my fresh Cod. However, this luxury is not available everywhere, and inland places are less likely to serve fresh Cod due to the obvious reasons related to procurement and logistics.

Global Impact and Regional Differences

It's not just an issue in the UK. A similar proportion of restaurants in Europe are likely to mislabel their fish at some point. The issue of mislabeling is not simply about one country's standards. Europe allows some fish to be considered another species in industrial production. For example, a Sardine is not considered the same as a Pilchard but can be interchanged in UK markets.

This inconsistency in naming and labeling makes it even more challenging for consumers to know what they are buying. The European Commission has established guidelines for species names in the EU, but they are not always followed. Therefore, it is crucial for consumers to be more knowledgeable about the fish they purchase and to look for clear labeling and origin.

Consumer Awareness and Action

The only way to ensure that you are getting what you paid for is to be very familiar with the type of fish you are ordering, and to closely inspect the appearance and taste of the fish served. While most people may not be aware, consumer awareness is key in addressing this issue. If enough consumers demand transparency and accurate labeling, it could lead to stricter regulations and better practices in the industry.

Consumers should also support local and sustainable fisheries. Supporting smaller, family-run businesses like Coleman's can help ensure that the fish you are eating is fresh, correctly labeled, and ethically sourced.

By working together, individual consumer choices can create a significant shift in the global seafood market, leading to fairer and more transparent practices. Your next fish order could change the fate of the fish you're enjoying.