The seafood industry is known for its complex global supply chains and diverse market offerings, which can make accurate labeling a challenging task. Now, a new study from Schmid College of Science and Technology at Chapman University and Oregon State University offers a fresh perspective on seafood labeling practices in the United States: Substitution rates for the most popular seafood species in the U.S. remain relatively low, providing consumers with greater confidence in the seafood choices they make.
Published on January 2, 2025 (version of record) in Food Control, this study specifically examines the mislabeling rates for the top 10 most-consumed seafood products in the U.S. for the first time. These products represent nearly 80% of U.S. seafood consumption and include species such as shrimp, salmon, and canned tuna.
Led by Sarah Ahles, Christina A. Mireles DeWitt, and Dr. Rosalee S. Hellberg , the research team conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of U.S. seafood mislabeling, drawing on 35 studies (including peer-reviewed papers, government investigations, and NGO reports) and 4,179 samples collected across 32 states. Using tools such as Google Scholar and Web of Science, the researchers conducted an exhaustive review and filtered out studies that did not meet rigorous criteria, creating the most informative dataset on U.S. seafood mislabeling to date. The dataset included fish and shellfish, with the exception of sharks, rays, and skates.
The study found that species substitution for the top 10 most-consumed seafood products in the U.S. occurred in just 13.9% of cases, far lower than the substitution rates observed for less frequently consumed species. This suggests that when it comes to popular choices like salmon, shrimp, and tuna, the issue of substitution is not as widespread as often assumed.
Substitution rates were higher for less commonly consumed species like snapper, amberjack, and halibut. However, the overall trend for America's favorite seafood remains encouraging. For example, red snapper was substituted in 83.3% of cases, but this does not reflect the experience of everyday seafood consumers, who are more likely to purchase popular items with relatively low substitution rates.
Interestingly, mislabeling rates varied significantly across different retail settings. Restaurants exhibited a much higher mislabeling rate (55.4%) compared to grocery stores (26.2%). However, even at restaurants, species substitution for top seafoods remains relatively low. Mislabeling was more prevalent in certain product forms, with sushi and sashimi showing the highest rates at 67.5%, followed by ceviche and poke at 54.7%. Still, these product forms represent a small fraction of the overall seafood market, where the majority of consumers are less likely to face mislabeling.
The study highlights the need for better consumer education and compliance with FDA seafood labeling standards. For example, while the term "salmon" is often used generically, consumers can benefit from more specific species identification. Atlantic salmon, for instance, is primarily imported and farm-raised, whereas other varieties are largely wild-caught, suggesting the importance of clearer labeling to make informed decisions.
While the findings highlight that seafood mislabeling remains an issue—particularly for certain species and product forms—the study offers a reassuring message about the reliability of the most popular seafood choices. The low substitution rates for these products should give consumers greater confidence in their seafood choices, especially as awareness and standards improve.
Funded by the Seafood Industry Research Fund, the study calls for further research and outreach to reduce mislabeling and improve transparency within U.S. seafood markets.
About Chapman University
Founded in 1861, Chapman University is a nationally ranked private university in Orange, California, about 30 miles south of Los Angeles. Chapman serves nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students can choose from 123 areas of study within 11 colleges for a personalized education. Chapman is categorized by the Carnegie Classification as an R2 "high research activity" institution. Students at Chapman learn directly from distinguished world-class faculty including Nobel Prize winners, MacArthur fellows, published authors and Academy Award winners. The campus has produced a Rhodes Scholar, been named a top producer of Fulbright Scholars and hosts a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and most prestigious honor society. Chapman also includes the Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine. The university features the No. 4 film school and No. 66 business school in the U.S. Learn more about Chapman University: www.chapman.edu .
