CONFUSING LABELS ARE MAKING IT HARDER TO BUY CANADIAN SEAFOOD AMID TRADE TENSIONS WITH THE U.S.

Confusing labels are making it harder to buy Canadian seafood amid trade tensions with the U.S.  As rising tariffs and trade tensions with the U.S. drive more Canadians to seek local products, SeaChoice says that those looking to buy Canadian seafood are being left in the dark by confusing labels – meaning that consumers, and by extent Canadian seafood producers, could be missing out.

“Right now, people are making conscious choices to buy Canadian,” says Christina Callegari, Senior Coordinator, Marine Programmes with the Ecology Action Centre (a founding member of SeaChoice). “But when it comes to seafood, the information needed to make an informed decision often isn’t there.”

Current Canadian laws require imported seafood to be labelled according to where it was processed, not where it was caught or farmed. Moreover, products that are caught or processed in Canada are not required to be labelled as Canadian at all.

“For example, fish caught in Canada, processed in China and shipped back to Canada (which does happen) will appear on the shelf with a ‘Product of China’ label,” says Callegari. “Or, there could be several types of white fish or tuna at your local fresh counter, but there’s no required label to show which are caught by Canadian fishers, which are caught overseas or even what species they are. This makes it difficult for consumers to ensure they’re buying Canadian seafood in their grocery stores.”

With consumers unable to distinguish local product from an imported source, Canadian fishers and sea farmers could be losing out on much needed support.

“People want to buy local and support domestic producers,” says Callegari. “But without clear labelling and transparency, consumers cannot be sure what they are really buying. It’s incredibly frustrating to see.”

Beyond information on where the product was caught or farmed, SeaChoice says that proper labelling must also include the species name (both common and scientific) to prevent misrepresentation, and the fishing or farming method to ensure transparency about impacts on the ocean ecosystem.

“It’s essential that labelling information follows seafood through each step of the value chain,” says Callegari. “With stronger labelling and traceability, Canadians can confidently choose local, sustainable and ethically sourced seafood, ensuring their money supports domestic producers, workers and the health of our oceans.”

Photo credit: SeaChoice