| Abstract: |
Seafood testing in Ottawa revealed “alarming levels of fraud,” according to a report released by conservation group Oceana Canada. Seafood fraud is a huge issue worldwide and is “allegedly worth more than the heroin trade and firearms trafficking combined,” Sylvain Charlebois of Dalhousie University said in a statement.45 out of 98 seafood samples – nearly half – were mislabelled, Oceana Canada found. The group selected specimens from restaurants and grocery stores “based on their popularity, including among politicians and decision-makers, and their proximity to Parliament Hill, government offices and media headquarters.”Previous studies have shown that as much as 41 per cent of the seafood sold in Canadian grocery stores and restaurants is mislabelled, but the advocacy group’s Mystery Fish report is the first to focus on Canada’s capital. Fake fish presents potential issues for health, finances – what you’re paying for is not what you’re getting – as well as the state of our oceans.“Seafood fraud cheats Canadian consumers and hurts local, honest fishers as well as chefs and seafood companies looking to purchase sustainable seafood,” Josh Laughren, Oceana Canada’s executive director, said in a statement. |
