As you may or may not be aware, deceptive practices have reached epidemic proportions in the seafood industry. We believe that education is key to creating a reputable industry.  And so, over the next 12 weeks, we will be educating on 12 deceptive practices (1 per week) that are commonly used in the seafood industry. We will explain what they are, why they are used, how to identify them and what you can do to make sure that the seafood you buy is top-quality!

Species Substitution

Species substitution, seafood mislabeling – whatever you want to call it – this is one deceptive practice that consumers and industry are more aware of. Recent studies about seafood mislabeling have dominated news headlines.  The Boston Globe investigation uncovered species substitution at many local restaurants.  And last year in Canada, a CBC reporter put supermarket fish to the test in the Something’s Fishy report.  These are just two studies, but more have been done and most reveal that mislabeled seafood is more common than the average consumer would think. The table aside depicts the results of an investigation of seafood bought at retail stores and restaurants in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

So what does species substitution mean exactly? Essentially, it means substituting one species for another – normally a cheaper species is substituted for a more expensive one – as a means to boost profits.  For example, the various Sole & Flounder species range in price and quality and are therefore frequently substituted. Often, even the retailer and restaurants selling the fish to end-consumers are unaware that the fish they are selling has been mislabeled.

What does this mean for the end-users? Aside from paying a high price for a lesser quality product, mislabeled fish can impact flavour, texture, portioning, yield and recipe response.

How can you be sure that the fish you buy is what you paid for? For even the most experience seafood purchasers, this can be difficult. Especially when buying frozen fish. The only real way to determine if a species has been substituted is with DNA analysis.  In an effort to provide our customers with full transparency, Tradex Foods conducts DNA testing on all SINBAD production out of China. SINBAD is our in-house brand produced under stringent quality standards in Asia.  Does your supplier provide full transparency?

Thanks for educating yourself on deceptive practices – at Tradex Foods we believe that furthering education and awareness is the key to eliminating seafood fraud and to creating a long-lasting, reputable and profitable industry. BUY SMART & EAT MORE SEAFOOD!