Takeaways codding the public

Much of the fish sold in Ireland is incorrectly labelled with takeaways found to be the worst culprit, according to a new study.

The survey, which was undertaken by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, found that 19 per cent of the products sampled were labelled incorrectly.

Over 70 per cent of smoked fish samples were mislabelled as were 13 per cent of unsmoked products tested.

The nationwide survey was carried out in retail outlets, fish shops, hotels, pubs, restaurants and takeaways.

The study shows that of the 111 samples analysed, a total of 20 were found to be mislabelled as cod and one was mislabelled as smoked haddock.

The largest sector for non-compliance was takeaways, with 32 per cent of premises were found to have mislabelled fish produce on sale.

The authority said premises selling mislabelled products were revisited by environmental health officers, issued with verbal warnings and notified that further unannounced checks were to be expected.

According to the authority’s chief executive Prof Alan Reilly while there is no food safety issue involved, the fact that cod, which is generally viewed as an expensive fish, has been found to contain less expensive varieties, raises a concern for consumers.

“This activity can be viewed as food businesses increasing their own profit margins by misleading consumers. The mislabelling of fish products, whether inadvertently or by design is contrary to the rights and expectations of consumers under Irish and EU law.," he said.

"Food businesses that fail to keep appropriate traceability records or who are found to be intentionally misleading consumers through incorrect labelling will face enforcement action where appropriate,” he added.