FASFA REASSURES THE NATION: FISH & CHIPS ARE HERE TO STAY

FASFA reassures the nation: Fish & chips are here to stay. Following a series of alarming headlines over the weekend suggesting that the UK could “run out of fish & chips,” the Frozen At Sea Fillets Association (FASFA) is reassuring the public that Britain’s most iconic dish is resilient and is navigating these challenging times.

As the representative body for some of the largest suppliers of cod and haddock to the UK’s fish & chip sector, FASFA strongly refutes any claim that the nation’s favourite meal is at risk of disappearing from menus.

The media reports stem from the recent advice issued by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), recommending a zero-catch limit for North Sea cod in 2026. While this guidance is an important part of ongoing fisheries management, it represents just one factor in a much broader and more complex supply chain.

“Our message is clear: fish and chips are here to stay,” said Julie Waites, Executive Director at Frozen at Sea Fillets Association (FASFA). “The UK fish & chip industry relies on responsibly managed fisheries from across the North Atlantic and Barents’ Sea, not solely the North Sea. Consumers can be reassured that whitefish species suitable for fish and chips will continue to be available thanks to sustainable sourcing and robust international supply routes.”

FASFA recognises the importance of responsible fisheries management and supports a pragmatic, evidence-based approach when considering quotas. The association stresses that constructive dialogue between policymakers, scientists, and industry stakeholders is essential to balancing sustainability with the economic and cultural importance supplying fish to the UK.

“Cod and haddock do remain at the heart of the fish & chip tradition,” added Julie “Our members are committed to working collaboratively to ensure that this national dish remains affordable, sustainable, and available for generations to come.”

About FASFA

The Frozen At Sea Fillets Association (FASFA) represents the leading producers and suppliers of sustainably sourced cod and haddock to the UK market. With a commitment to quality, responsibility, and long-term food security, FASFA works alongside regulators and the wider seafood industry to safeguard the future of Britain’s best-loved dish.

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