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Report Finds 20 Percent Fraud Rate In Global Seafood Labeling

September 12, 2016: The FoodManufacturing.com, FoodNavigator.com and Oceana:

Oceana reviewed more than 200 published studies from 55 countries and found that about one in five seafood samples tested worldwide were found to be improperly labeled.

"About 65% of the studies included evidence of economically motivated adulteration of seafood products. Cheaper or less desirable fish were mislabeled as more expensive varieties.

In 141 instances, pangasius was swapped for 18 different types but mostly perch, grouper and sole.

Seafood fraud includes species substitution often a low-value or less desirable item swapped for a more expensive or desirable choice, improper labeling, including hiding the origin of seafood products, or adding extra breading, water o

More than half of the mislabeled species could pose a health risk to consumers, and the report also found said that mislabeling could affect endangered species and could be caught or processed using slave labor.