Our final segment addresses how to identify
and discourage seafood mislabeling.
It's not easy to recognize species substitution,
because in many cases identifying features, such
as the head, tail and dorsal fins, are no longer
present.
Here are two similar looking fish.
The top is Atlantic Cod.
The bottom is Pollock.
An unsuspecting person may be deceived unless they're
looking at the fish side by side, or are very
familiar with the distinguishing
differences.
Differences include the shape of the head, dorsal
or tail fins.
The more processing that's performed to a piece of
seafood, the more difficult it is to
accurately identify the species.
Here are the fillets of the same two fish.
Now it becomes even more difficult to identify the
species.
If a processor knowingly co-mingles fillets from a
less valuable species with a more desirable species,
and labels the product as only containing the more
desirable species, than that is fraudulent
behavior.
During routine sampling and surveillance
activities, FDA investigators have noted
these common substitutions.
We see many different species being sold as Red
snapper.
FDA works to discourage seafood mislabeling in
multiple ways.
FDA field investigators evaluate mislabeling, and
provide information about species substitution to
industry.
When FDA finds violations, the firm may receive a
warning letter or untitled letter, outlining the
violation, as well as information regarding
seafood labeling regulations.
FDA works with its Federal counterparts, such as
Customs and Border Protection and the Federal
Trade Commission, to deter fraudulent activities.
It also works alongside its state partners
performing similar activities, including
product trace-back, verification, and
training.Trade groups report misbranding issues
to FDA when the practice presents a potential
negative impact to the industry.
And, FDA receives regular inquiries regarding
seafood labeling from industry and the general
public, and works quickly to provide clear and
concise guidance.
Now, some tips for inspectors, retailers and
consumers.
Inspectors should become familiar with species that
are commonly processed or sold in their region, and
become as knowledgeable as possible about the various
seafood products received at the sites they inspect.
You don't have to be familiar with all species,
just the ones that are more valuable, or commonly
marketed.
Also, you don't need to be able to specifically
identify the substitute species.
But it is valuable to be able to recognize whether
what you are looking at, looks like what you are
familiar with as the declared species.
And to further investigate or collect samples when
you don't know what it is, but you know what it
isn't.
Product labeling, invoices and other documents should
be carefully reviewed and cross-referenced for
accuracy.
Any inconsistencies should be noted.
Any complaints received regarding fraud at an
inspected establishment should be reviewed, and
the local or state inspector is encouraged to
work with their local FDA office.
Retailers should ensure that the labeling reflects
the information provided on the invoices or other
documents when purchasing seafood.
Employees should be trained to recognize
commonly marketed species, and to check the product
against the labels, invoices, and purchase
orders at receipt.
Teach employees to review labels of all incoming
seafood products and bring any abnormalities to the
attention of management as soon as possible.
Always be skeptical of extra low prices or
incredible deals on seafood purchases that are
outside the norm.
If you have any concerns regarding seafood you've
purchased, contact the appropriate state, local
or Federal agency for assistance.
Consumers should get to know the product they're
purchasing.
Increased familiarity will allow the consumer to note
when something doesn't appear right, such as off
odor, color, or shape, or unusual labeling.
Consumers should ask questions about the
seafood they're buying when something doesn't
seem right, or if they simply want to learn more
about their purchase.
Purchase from known and reputable suppliers.
Be wary of unusually low prices, and whether or not
there are major differences in product
from what you've seen in the past.
Now, a short quiz.