An investigation by Oceana was conducted from 2010-2012 to determine whether retail seafood outlets were honestly labeling their product. 674 outlets in 21 states were reviewed. DNA testing found that 33% of the 1215 samples analyzed were mislabeled. Of the most commonly collected fish types samples sold as snapper and tuna had the highest mislabeling rates (87% and 59% respectively). Only 7 of the 120 samples labeled as red snapper were actually red snapper. The report also identified that 44% of the retail outlets visited sold mislabeled fish. With 90% of the U.S. seafood imported, the FDA currently screens all seafood imports electronically and physically inspects a selection. Despite these efforts fraud is still a problem.

The Gulf and South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation have a website that assist residents and visitors to the Gulf Coast in finding fresh Gulf seafood. You can FIND IT at EatGulfSeafood.com. You can also find tips on purchasing, storing, and preparing Florida seafood at Florida Sea Grant’s Seafood at Your Fingertips.

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