Survey on fish species in the catering sector

The main objective of the survey was to check the accuracy of the description of fish species in the catering sector, and whether the description complied with the commercial name required by The Fish Labelling (England) Regulations 2003 (as amended).

Fifty two local authorities across the UK collected 380 formal samples between October 2007 and February 2008. The samples were analysed in five public analyst laboratories using a recently developed DNA method. The survey found that out of the 380 samples, 38 (10%) were species of fish other than those indicated on the menu or requested. Follow-up action was taken by local authorities.

In recent years, the main commercial fish stocks in European Community waters have been in general decline. The resulting market pressure has led to the shortages and increased prices of the traditionally popular species of fish in the UK market, such as cod and haddock. As a result, the potential for economic gain by substituting more expensive fish species with less expensive ones has increased.

In 2005 the catering sector was valued at £28 billion, approximately £1 billion of that was spent on fish meals in fish and chips shops alone. Consumers reported their main motivators for eating fish as taste (52%) and health (34%). Given that the purchase of fish in the catering sector is predominantly based on taste, consumers are prepared to pay a premium price for certain species of fish.

In 1994 the authenticity programme undertook a survey checking the fish species declarations of fish products sampled from catering outlets. At that time 8% of products were found to be misdescribed.

The food authenticity programme supports the Agency’s objectives of promoting consumer choice through honest and informative labelling, improving standards of enforcement, and reducing food fraud. The programme undertakes surveys in partnership with local authorities to investigate allegations of misdescription, fraud, and to verify compliance with food standards legislation. When problems are highlighted, the Agency works with enforcement authorities to ensure that effective and proportionate follow-up action is taken.

The Additives and Authenticity Sampling Sub-Group, comprising of both local authority and consumer representatives, was set up to consider potential problems of misdescription and fraud, and to prioritise work to investigate further.