Are chip shops selling catfish instead of Cod? #FishAndChips #BBCNews
A BBC News investigation tested 10 fish and chip portions from Manchester and Liverpool, finding that 3 samples were catfish (pangas/river cobbler) rather than cod. In all three cases, the menu simply listed 'fish' without specifying the species. While catfish is a legitimate and cheaper fish, selling it at cod prices without disclosure raises legal and ethical concerns.
Summary
A BBC News investigation explored whether some UK fish and chip shops are substituting cheaper catfish for cod without informing customers. After analyzing online reviews that questioned the species of fish being served, journalists purchased 10 portions of fish from chippies across Manchester and Liverpool and submitted them for DNA testing.
The DNA results revealed that 3 of the 10 samples were pangas, also known as river cobbler — a species of catfish typically farmed in Southeast Asia. Critically, in all three cases where catfish was identified, the menu simply listed the item as 'fish' with no species specification. When reporters asked staff what type of fish was being sold, they received vague answers such as 'traditional fish,' 'wife fish,' or 'normal fish.'
An expert commentator noted that catfish are perfectly edible and are sold at a lower wholesale price than cod, meaning there is nothing inherently wrong with selling them — provided customers are informed. However, the concern arises when catfish is sold at near-cod prices under the generic label of 'fish.' UK law requires that customers must be told the species of fish if they ask, meaning these shops may be in violation.
Trading standards authorities acknowledged that while fish fraud is not widespread, some unscrupulous businesses continue to operate in this manner.
Key Insights
- DNA testing of 10 fish portions bought from chippies across Manchester and Liverpool revealed that 3 samples were pangas (river cobbler), a species of catfish farmed in Southeast Asia, rather than cod.
- In all three cases where catfish was identified, the menu simply described the product as 'fish,' with no species name provided to customers.
- When reporters directly asked chip shop staff what species of fish they were selling, they received non-specific answers such as 'traditional fish,' 'wife fish,' or 'normal fish,' suggesting deliberate or negligent vagueness.
- An expert argues that catfish are good to eat and sold at a lower wholesale price than cod, making their sale acceptable in principle — but only if customers are clearly informed of the species they are buying.
- Trading standards authorities stated that fish fraud is not widespread but admitted that some unscrupulous businesses are still operating in this way.
Topics
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