Canadian seafood labels may mislead consumers on sourcing

Canadians looking to buy local seafood may face confusion over labels at grocery stores. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency states that seafood must be labeled by where it is processed, not where it is caught. This means fish from Canadian waters can be labeled as coming from another country. Seafood has a complex supply chain. As a result, many products may be processed in countries like China before returning to Canada. Christina Callegari from the Ecology Action Centre warns that consumers might not see a product that is both caught and processed in Canada. She suggests looking for the label "Product Of Canada," which indicates that the seafood should be both caught and processed here. However, this labeling is not mandatory. The seafood industry is currently facing challenges due to tariffs. China recently imposed a 25% tariff on many Canadian seafood products, including lobster and crab, in retaliation for Canada's tariffs on Chinese goods. Meanwhile, U.S. tariffs on Canadian products, including seafood, are also expected to rise in the near future. Callegari encourages consumers to buy seafood directly from fishmongers or markets. Talking to sellers can provide clarity about where the seafood was caught and how it was processed. She believes Canada should improve its labeling standards, similar to the European Union, which provides detailed seafood information. Overall, while many Canadians want to buy local seafood, understanding labels can be tricky. Consumers are urged to seek better information to support local fishermen and sustainable practices.