The study showed that incorrectly labeled shark meat is thriving in Australian markets!

The study showed that incorrectly labeled shark meat is thriving in Australian markets!

Researchers from Macquarie University found that a significant proportion of shark meat sold in Australian fish markets and takeaway stores is incorrectly labeled, including several samples of endangered animals.

The ineffectiveness of seafood labeling and serious consequences for both consumer choice and shark conservation are also flourishing.

The researchers collected 91 shark meat samples from 28 retailers in six Australian states and territories, used DNA barcode to identify the species of each sample and compared it with the label applied by the seller.

They found that 70 percent of the samples were labeled incorrectly, either because the species did not match the label or because the label did not meet the Australian standard for fish names!

As the population of many sharks around the world is facing an unprecedented reduction, the study highlights the urgent need to improve labeling and compliance standards, says Ms. Armansin, co-author and head of the study.

"Ambiguous trademarks such as "cereal" are a real obstacle to sustainable consumption," says Ms. Armansin.