Food Fraud Exposed: 10 Mislabeled Seafood Scandals

Seafood is one of the most commonly mislabeled foods in the world. Whether due to cost-cutting, deceptive marketing, or outright fraud, consumers often pay premium prices for fish that isn’t what it claims to be. From fake “wild-caught” salmon to endangered species sold as common fish, seafood fraud is a global problem. Here are 10 shocking scandals that reveal the truth behind mislabeled seafood.

Table of Contents

1. Red Snapper Scam: The Most Mislabeled Fish
2. Fake Wild Salmon: Farmed Fish in Disguise
3. Escolar Sold as “White Tuna”
4. Pangasius: The Cheap Fish Posing as Grouper
5. Endangered Shark Sold as “Rock Salmon”
6. Tilapia Masquerading as More Expensive Fish
7. Fake Crab Meat: The Surimi Deception
8. Imported Shrimp Mislabeled as “Gulf” or “Local”
9. Lobster Fraud: Cheap Seafood in Shellfish Dishes
10. DNA Testing Reveals Widespread Fraud in Sushi Restaurants

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1. Red Snapper Scam: The Most Mislabeled Fish

Red snapper is one of the most frequently mislabeled fish in the U.S. Studies have found that up to 90% of fish sold as “red snapper” is actually a different species, such as tilapia, rockfish, or other cheaper substitutes.

• Why? Red snapper is highly regulated due to overfishing, making it expensive and scarce.
• The Scam: Restaurants and markets substitute it with cheaper fish to maximize profits.

2. Fake Wild Salmon: Farmed Fish in Disguise

Wild-caught salmon is prized for its flavor and health benefits, but 43% of salmon labeled as “wild” is actually farmed, according to Oceana, a marine conservation group.

• How It Happens: Farmed salmon is cheaper and more abundant, but sellers charge premium prices by labeling it as wild.
• Health Risks: Farmed salmon may contain higher levels of contaminants like PCBs.

3. Escolar Sold as “White Tuna”

Escolar, a fish known for causing digestive issues, is often fraudulently sold as “white tuna” in sushi restaurants.

• The Danger: Escolar contains indigestible wax esters that can cause severe diarrhea and stomach cramps.
• The Fraud: Because of its buttery texture, it’s marketed as a premium fish despite health risks.

4. Pangasius: The Cheap Fish Posing as Grouper

Pangasius (also called swai or basa) is a low-cost farmed fish from Vietnam, but it’s often sold as grouper, sole, or even catfish.

• Why? Grouper is expensive, while pangasius costs a fraction of the price.
• The Issue: Pangasius farming has been linked to poor environmental and labor practices.

5. Endangered Shark Sold as “Rock Salmon”

In the UK and Europe, endangered spiny dogfish shark is frequently sold as “rock salmon” or “huss” to avoid consumer backlash.

• The Problem: Spiny dogfish is overfished and near threatened, yet it’s still served in fish and chip shops.
• The Deception: The name “rock salmon” makes it sound more appealing and less controversial.

6. Tilapia Masquerading as More Expensive Fish

Tilapia is one of the cheapest farmed fish, yet it’s often sold as snapper, cod, or even perch.

• The Scam: Restaurants and grocery stores mark up tilapia by labeling it as a premium fish.
• The Catch: While tilapia is safe to eat, consumers pay more for a fish they didn’t order.

7. Fake Crab Meat: The Surimi Deception

“Imitation crab” is no secret—it’s made from processed white fish (usually pollock) and starch. However, some restaurants fail to disclose that their “crab” dishes are actually surimi.

• The Trick: Dishes like “crab salad” or “crab cakes” often contain little to no real crab.
• The Cost: Real crab is expensive, while surimi is a budget alternative.

8. Imported Shrimp Mislabeled as “Gulf” or “Local”

Shrimp is America’s most popular seafood, but up to 35% is mislabeled. Imported farmed shrimp is often sold as “Gulf shrimp” or “local catch.”

• The Issue: Imported shrimp may contain antibiotics and chemicals banned in the U.S.
• The Fraud: Consumers pay extra for what they believe is sustainably caught shrimp.

9. Lobster Fraud: Cheap Seafood in Shellfish Dishes

Lobster rolls and bisques are premium dishes, but some restaurants use cheaper substitutes like langostino or even fake seafood blends.

• The Scam: DNA tests have revealed that some “lobster” dishes contain little to no lobster meat.
• The Cost: Real lobster is expensive, making fraud tempting for restaurants.

10. DNA Testing Reveals Widespread Fraud in Sushi Restaurants

A 2019 study by Oceana found that 1 in 3 sushi samples in the U.S. was mislabeled.

• Common Swaps: Tuna was often escolar, and “white tuna” was almost always fake.
• The Bigger Issue: Without regulation, consumers have no way of knowing what they’re eating.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is seafood mislabeled so often?

• Profit: Cheaper fish can be sold at premium prices.
• Supply Issues: Overfishing makes some species scarce.
• Lack of Regulation: Seafood tracking is often weak or nonexistent.

How can I avoid fake seafood?

• Buy from trusted sources (reputable fishmongers, certified sustainable brands).
• Ask questions (where was it caught? Is it farmed or wild?).
• Use DNA-based apps (like ThisFish) to verify seafood.

Is mislabeled seafood dangerous?

Sometimes. Escolar can cause digestive issues, and some substituted fish may contain higher levels of mercury or contaminants.

What’s being done to stop seafood fraud?

• Increased DNA testing by advocacy groups.
• Stricter labeling laws in some countries.
• Consumer awareness campaigns to pressure suppliers.

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Final Thoughts

Seafood fraud is a billion-dollar industry that cheats consumers and harms marine ecosystems. By staying informed and demanding transparency, we can push for better regulations and honest labeling. Next time you order fish, remember—what’s on the menu might not be what’s on your plate.