Discussion at the last meeting of the NSW Seafood Industry Conference on August 9 concerning fish naming conventions and strategies to assist reducing fish substitution. Convention generally agreed that fish substitution could potentially lead to food safety issues and damage the good reputation of the seafood industry.
Numerous examples of potential food safety issues through the misnaming of fish or fish substitution. Well known that some fish species contain higher levels of mercury than others and incorrect naming of fish may result in pregnant women consuming higher levels of mercury than expected thus increasing the risk of complications to the foetus. Other fish species are known to be associated with ciguatera poisoning. The main control in preventing ciguatera poisoning relies on banning these species from sale and restricting the sale of others based on size. Eating escolar or rudderfish may cause keriorrhoea (passing of oil) due to the presence of waxy oils. Correct naming of these fish allows the consumer to make an informed decision and not suffer potential embarrassment or concern
These three examples demonstrate how incorrect naming of seafood can adversely affect the consumer and the reputation of the seafood industry.
Believes that there is a need for legislative support for the adoption of common fish names across Australia. States that the Code would appear to be the most appropriate legal document for this purpose.
Recommends the adoption of common fish names either in the Food Product Standard Section of the Food Standards Code, or within the proposed Primary Produce and Processing Standard (P265) with naming based on the work already undertaken by the Fish Names Committee.
Believes that a mandatory requirement to correctly name fish would lead to better food safety protection for the general public and increase consumer confidence in seafood and in the seafood industry.
