Nothing fishy about menu descriptions

A Food Standards Agency (FSA) snapshot survey has found that 90% of restaurants, cafes and takeaways describe their fish products correctly.

Fifty two local authorities across the UK collected 380 formal samples between October 2007 and February 2008 from restaurants, takeaways and pubs, of those only 38 were described incorrectly.

The most common mistake was inadvertently selling haddock for cod. Results also show that on occasion cod was substituted for haddock.

The survey concluded that misdescriptions are likely to be due to poor control procedures.

Sarah Appleby, Head of Enforcement at the FSA, said: "Food fraud isn't prevalent in this country but it's important we carry out these surveys to ensure the consumer isn't being misled. It's important to know that scientific tests are available to local authorities to detect what fish really is in your batter. Our results show mistakes may be made by staff rather than a deliberate intention to mislead."

Businesses describing their fish incorrectly were notified and advice or enforcement action was taken by the local authority.

Words: Clare Riley

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