Navigation path

News :: A 'How to' guide to reading your fish label

A 'How to' guide to reading your fish label

(16/07/2013) Reading labels on your food can sometimes be frustrating and confusing with either not enough information about the product or a total lack of clarity in the labelling. Recognising this, the Commission has introduced new guidelines on labelling for fish and aquaculture products in the EU to help consumers make informed decisions on the food they eat.

Labels must already include details of where the fish was caught, by whom and how it was produced. As of 13th December 2014, labels will have to include date of minimum durability and whether it has been defrosted or not. For those with industry knowledge, there will also now be an obligation to display the scientific name of the product, a more specific description of where it was caught, and details of the fishing gear used.

The new requirements, agreed as part of the new common market organisation, will apply to both prepacked and non-prepacked products - for which the information could be provided through posters or leaflets.

In addition to the mandatory information the operator will be able to include additional information such as the date of catch, or the date of harvest of aquaculture products, or information on the port at which the products were landed.