Production method and geographic origin of fish

The Food Authenticity Programme supports the Agency’s objectives of promoting consumer choice through honest and informative labelling and reducing food fraud.

As part of this work, we undertake surveys in partnership with local authorities to investigate problems of misdescription, fraud, and compliance with food standards legislation.

As marine fish stocks diminish, aquaculture production of fish and shellfish has become increasingly important as our source of fish. For example, the world production of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) has increased from 27,000 tonnes in 1984 to 1.24 million tonnes in 2005.

However, in the same period, the world catch of wild Atlantic salmon has decreased from 10,600 tonnes to 3,685 tonnes. Many consumers wish to know about the origin of the food they buy. Hence it is now a legislative requirement to state the production method (whether 'wild' or 'farmed') and geographic origin of fish at the point of retail sale. In addition, there is a large price differential between farmed and wild fish.

Correct information on the production method to consumers is important to prevent food fraud.

The survey to check the production method and geographic origin of fish has been carried out in two parts.

The first part focussed on the descriptions assigned to fish at the point of retail sale.

Checks have been made as to whether the production method and geographic origin of fish have been declared in accordance with legislative requirements.

The second part of this survey verified analytically whether the production method being declared is correct. This involved checking whether fish described as 'wild' were 'wild'.

Apart from verifying the description and production method of fish, it is hoped that this survey will also raise awareness of the legal requirements of the Fish Labelling Regulations 2003 (as amended) and deter food fraud.