Fish, especially salmon, are known to be great for your brain, so it’s no wonder that people everywhere are trying to incorporate more seafood into their diets. Experts even recommend eating a minimum of two servings each week. However, you should be careful because there’s something fishy about fish fraud happening worldwide. According to a report from the ocean conservation advocacy group Oceana, one out of every five fish samples they tested was mislabeled. So, let’s dive in and explore fish fraud, why it matters, and how you can avoid it.
Fish Fraud: A Worldwide Problem
- If you order red snapper or halibut, you might end up with tilefish, which has such high mercury levels that it’s on the “Do Not Eat” list for pregnant women.
- Nearly half of the “wild” salmon sold in Chicago restaurants is actually farm-raised.
- Every sushi restaurant serves some mislabeled fish.
- Two California sushi chefs were caught serving whale meat instead of tuna.
- In the United States, around 28% of fish sold is mislabeled, and almost 60% of that is a high-mercury species that could potentially harm your health.
Food companies are known to deceive consumers with vague terms like “natural” and “healthy” on their packaging, and outright food fraud is becoming even more rampant. Fake fish is particularly harmful because it deprives consumers of specific health benefits and can expose them to dangerous levels of contaminants like mercury.
5 Tips to Avoid Fish Fraud
Steer clear of the top three most mislabeled fish: red snapper, grouper, and halibut. In restaurants, the fish least likely to be mislabeled are mahi-mahi, flounder, and tilapia.
- Go straight to the source— Buy your fish directly from a fisherman, either at the pier or a farmer’s market. This way, you’ll have a better chance of getting what you paid for, plus the fish will be fresher.
- Opt for canned tuna— If you can’t live without tuna, try canned variety. It’s less likely to be mislabeled since it has gone through fewer hands before reaching the grocery store.
- Check for traceability— Some grocery stores, like Whole Foods and Wegmans, sell traceable fish. When you buy these fish, they come with an ID number allowing you to trace their sources. Trace Register and Trace and Trust are two companies that provide tracing services to businesses.
- Look for endorsements— Keep an eye out for endorsements from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA). They certify sustainable fisheries and closely monitor their operations.
- Choose wisely at restaurants— When dining out, be aware that red snapper, grouper, and halibut are often mislabeled. Instead, opt for safer options like mahi-mahi, flounder, and tilapia.
The Bottom Line
Fish packed with omega-3s, like salmon, can provide numerous health benefits, but only if you’re actually getting what you think you’re buying. By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from fish fraud and enjoy the delicious, healthy seafood you deserve.
