Fishing: Global seafood fraud at 20% - FAO warns
The FAO warns that approximately 20% of internationally distributed seafood products may be involved in some form of fraud, affecting transparency and public health.
According to a new report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), seafood fraud has reached alarming levels globally, with studies indicating that about 20% of fish products traded internationally could be linked to some form of deception. This rate is notably higher compared to fraud levels in other food categories. The report highlights that the food service sector experiences particularly high levels of mislabeling, with instances sometimes reaching as high as 30%. The FAO emphasizes that the fraud in the seafood industry involves deliberate practices aiming for financial gain at the expense of transparency, public health, and sustainable fishery resources. Common fraudulent activities include species substitution, misleading origin labeling, alteration of expiration dates, and deceptive marketing claims. These practices not only mislead consumers but also pose significant risks to health, as they may result in the consumption of unsafe or unregulated products. In response to these concerns, the FAO outlines potential tools and strategies to reduce seafood fraud, underscoring the need for improved traceability systems and stricter enforcement of labeling regulations. These measures are crucial for restoring consumer trust and ensuring sustainable practices within the fishing industry, which has a vital role in global food security and environmental sustainability.