October 4, 2013 — Opinion is divided about how much detail should be given in the on-pack labeling for seafood sold in Europe. There are those involved in the sector that believe too much information puts retail consumers off buying products, while others feel it provides the assurances that shoppers now want.
The recent Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum Keynote Seminar, “Next steps for U.K. fishing — consumer attitudes, sustainability and implementing the Common Fisheries Policy,” held in London, proved there are valid arguments on either side, but both will be aware that Brussels is pushing hard for the introduction of far more comprehensive fish labeling across EU member states as part of its Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) overhaul.
Fish labeling can be confusing for consumers; they want sustainable, convenient products that are available to them on a regular basis, but at the same time they are restrained in terms of time, said Adam Whittle, seafood industry consultant at the Billingsgate Seafood School. He added that they are also put off by “confusing messages” about products such as mackerel and whether it is okay to continue putting it in the shopping basket.
“People expect to be able to walk into a supermarket and for that supermarket to do the work for the individual. They don’t want to have to make those choices, they are outsourcing that trust to those organizations to spend the time and offer them a sustainable product without them having to feel guilty about enjoying such a healthy food.
“It’s too much, I think, to expect consumers to navigate through the minefield of sourcing sustainable seafood. I think it is catering service organizations like M&J Seafood, like Direct Seafoods, and the major multiple retailers who have to be the gatekeepers towards that sustainable product for consumers.”
Read the full opinion piece at SeafoodSource.com