Analysis of fresh fish labelling in Spanish fish retail shops

Each day more and more people are concerned about their food habits, because they can have repercussions on their health. However, currently, labels are their main and almost unique source of information related with what they consume. Among fish and fishery products, fresh fish is a favourite among Spaniards and the information which should be included on the labels is regulated by European and Spanish labelling legislation. That information, which is demanded by consumers, is essential because of fish is a perishable food with different origins. To check whether consumers are well informed products labelling in 285 traditional fish shops from food-markets and 155 fish shops from supermarkets and hypermarkets were analysed. Results showed serious labelling deficiencies ill the first shops mentioned but were better ill the second. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.