In recent days, there has been a great deal of discussion about the integrity of the seafood trade. The beginning of the discussion can be traced to a seminar that Matís held on Wednesday 16 March, where the results of an international study in which Matís participates were presented.
The study covers species analyzes of fish, whether fish species, cf. the results of genetic research, is in line with what is stated, and there are over 40 parties involved across Europe. The study is not part of the food control of the countries where the research takes place, but is about gathering information and assessing the status of these issues in different European countries.
In the Icelandic part of the study, which has not been completed, it was stated, among other things, that about 30% of all samples taken at restaurants contained fish other than what was stated on the menu, as has been stated in Matís news.
Similar research has been conducted before. For example, Oceana (www.oceana.org) investigated fish species abuse in 21 states in the United States. 1200 samples were examined and in 33% cases there were other fish species in the packages than indicated on the labels. Oceana also investigated the situation in restaurants in Brussels and in the canteens of EU institutions. In Brussels, it was a different species than the one on the menu in 31.8% cases.
It is of great interest that integrity be exercised in the trade of food, whether it is fish or other foods. It is in the interests of producers, retailers, consumers and not least the countries competing for market share in international markets.
Icelanders base their profits largely on the export of fish and fish products, and at the same time as we point out the purity and wholesomeness of our fish species, cheaper and more unhealthy species are put on our heads, but under a false flag. One of these examples is when cheap whitefish is sold as cod from the North Atlantic. The price difference can be very large and lead to lower prices for cod and cod products. Marine Stewardship Council (MSC, www.msc.org/) has pointed out that the standard price for breaded pangasius is around four euros per kg when the price of cod can be around 25 euros per kg.
It is therefore clear that integrity with seafood is a major economic issue for all Icelanders and it is important to take the debate on species fraud seriously.