FSAI Fish Survey Reveals Almost One in Five Cod Samples are Mislabelled
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today issued the results of its labelling survey of fish and fish products, which found that 19% of products sampled were labelled incorrectly. Out of the 111 samples* analysed, a total of 20 were found to be mislabelled as cod and one was mislabelled as smoked haddock. The FSAI nationwide survey was carried out in retail outlets, fish shops, hotels, pubs, restaurants and takeaways. The largest sector for non-compliance was takeaways, with 32% found to have mislabelled fish produce on sale. The FSAI stated that non-compliant premises were revisited by environmental health officers, issued with verbal warnings and notified that further unannounced checks were to be expected.
Other key findings include:
• 73% (8 out of 11) of smoked fish samples were found to be mislabelled
• 13% (13 out of 100) of un-smoked fish samples were found to be mislabelled
According to Prof Alan Reilly, Chief Executive, FSAI, while there is no food safety issue involved, the fact that cod, which is generally viewed as an expensive fish, has been found to contain less expensive varieties, raises a concern for consumers.
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“This activity can be viewed as food businesses increasing their own profit margins by misleading consumers. The mislabelling of fish products, whether inadvertently or by design is contrary to the rights and expectations of consumers under Irish EU and law. The FSAI is committed to protecting consumers’ interests and as a result of these latest findings has introduced an annual fish sampling and analysis programme together with environmental health officers in the Health Service Executive. Food businesses that fail to keep appropriate traceability records or who are found to be intentionally misleading consumers through incorrect labelling will face enforcement action where appropriate.”
“If a consumer wants to buy a piece of cod, it should be a piece of cod they are buying, and not some other fish. Food businesses need to be vigilant when taking in deliveries of fish, to ensure the type of fish they receive is what they actually ordered. As many white fish look similar, food businesses need to educate themselves, so that they can differentiate species. Considering the nutritional benefits associated with eating fish, it is important for consumers to have full confidence in the safety, quality and integrity of the fish and fish products they are buying”, he concluded.
