Western Australian shark products often mislabeled or ambiguous

Research from Murdoch University has revealed significant issues with the labeling of shark products in Western Australian fish and chip shops. Using DNA testing to analyze 167 cooked products purchased from 132 shops between March 2023 and February 2024, researchers identified 16 different species, including 11 shark species.

The study found that 56% of products were sold under ambiguous labels such as “shark”, “flake”, or “fish and chips”. Furthermore, 35% of the products were found to be mislabeled, meaning the species advertised did not match the species identified through genetic testing. Even when species-specific names like “gummy shark” or “bronze whaler” were used, they did not always accurately reflect the contents.

Lead author Dr. Md Robiul Hasan noted that the findings highlight a lack of transparency, making it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions regarding species and sustainability. Additionally, only 26% of the products sampled provided information regarding the origin of the seafood.