In Light of New Report Showing Widespread Deceptive, Mislabeled Seafood on Store Shelves and in Restaurants, Blumenthal Urges CT Consumers to Buy Local

(Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, urged consumers to stay aware of mislabeling of seafood at restaurants and grocery stores, after a new report identified widespread mislabeling of farm-raised salmon as costlier wild-caught salmon.

“The widespread seafood fraud uncovered in this study hurts consumers – who are paying more for fish caught in the wild – but getting less desirable farm raised fish, and our honest fishermen, who must compete with blatant misrepresentations of fish quality,” said Blumenthal. “Legislation is needed enabling consumers to trace seafood from boat to table. Until consumers have a reliable way of knowing exactly where their seafood is from and how it was raised, I encourage consumers to eat fresh, local seafood. This is the best way to know for sure what kind of seafood you’re buying and where it came from.”

“We urge consumers to inquire where the fish has come from. Ask questions so the seller is aware. If consumers ask, the retailer or restaurant owner will more likely be honest about the source. Fish is still one of the healthiest food choices. Buying local is always safe and supports Connecticut industry,” said Barbara Gordon, Executive Director, Connecticut Seafood Council.

Throughout his Senate tenure, Blumenthal has supported legislation to enforce stricter food labeling policies, as well as to protect consumers and workers in the seafood industry. In previous sessions, Blumenthal co-sponsored the Safety and Fraud Enforcement for Seafood Act (S.520-113^th) to increase seafood inspections and the Commercial Seafood Consumer Protection Act (S. 50-112^th) which would strengthen government agency efforts on seafood safety, labeling, and fraud.

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