Food Safety, Labeling Regulations and Fish Food Authentication

Abstract

Fish is an important dietary component and is one of the cheapest sources of quality animal proteins. It is also a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Consumer demands for fish have increased in recent years and simultaneously the cases of food adulteration and other intervention of opportunistic elements in the fishery industry have also increased. This has necessitated proper food safety and labeling regulations. India is one of the largest producers of a variety of fishes, and exports over 600,000 metric tons of fish, to about 90 countries. The awareness about food safety and authentication has increased over the years and almost every importing country has mandated strict labeling regulations. In this context, the present paper describes the food safety issues, labeling regulations, techniques of food authentication and has made some recommendations for sustainable development of the fishery industry.