Jul 22, 2026 - Foods
Fishlabelingattheretailfishcounter
When purchasing fresh, chilled, or frozen fishery products at the retail fish counter, consumers must receive all important information at a glance. To ensure the correct declaration, there are strict regulations.
For live fish, fish fillets or fish meat; smoked fish, crustaceans, mollusks, algae, and seaweed, mandatory labeling information must be fulfilled. These mandatory details include the trade name and the scientific name of the species, the production method, the fishing area or origin water, the fishing gear category for wild catch, a thawing notice if necessary, and other voluntary information. These details must be either directly on the sign on the product or on posters or signs. It is crucial that all information is clear and easy for the customer to read.
There are clear regulations for the mandatory information on how it should be declared. Both the trade name and the scientific name of the species must be listed. The scientific name must consist of the genus and species.
The production method indicates how the animals were caught. It distinguishes between “caught” for wild catch, “from inland fishing” and “from aquaculture”.
The indication of the fishing area or origin water includes either the name of the fishing area, the origin water and country of inland fishing, or the country of aquaculture. In the case of naming the fishing area, the name of the fishery area must also be included, which can be found in the “Food and Agriculture Organization”.
For wild catch, the category of fishing gear must also be listed. The various fishing options include seine nets, trawls, gillnets and similar nets, encircling and lift nets, hooks and lines, dredges or traps and pots.
Furthermore, if the product is a previously frozen product that is sold thawed, it must be explicitly labeled. Exceptions are products that must be frozen due to a technologically necessary step in the production process, for health protection reasons, or if the product has been smoked, salted, cooked, marinated, or dried after thawing.
In addition to these requirements, the retailer may voluntarily provide information about the time of catch or harvest, ethical or social information, nutritional values, or further detailed information about fishing and production.
How can this information benefit the customer? The specific details can be used by consumers for targeted sustainable and conscious shopping. By paying attention to the information about the origin or the fishing method during the purchase, the best product can be chosen accordingly.
At BAV Institut, we regularly carry out labeling checks as well as microbiological testing of your products. We are happy to support you in these areas.
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