FDA updates seafood naming guidelines for clarity, compliance
USA – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently updated its guidelines on seafood naming to enhance clarity and compliance.
These updates are part of the FDA’s ongoing commitment to provide valuable information to the seafood industry and ensure accurate labeling of seafood products.
The FDA’s guidance document, “The Seafood List—FDA’s Guide to Determine Acceptable Seafood Names: Guidance for Industry,” remains rooted in its core principles but now includes new examples of acceptable seafood names to improve understanding.
The main objective of this guidance is to offer insights to industry stakeholders about what the FDA deems acceptable market and common names for seafood in the U.S.
This will help manufacturers accurately label their seafood products with the document providing detailed information on acceptable market names, common names, scientific names, and vernacular names for various seafood species sold in the United States.
One significant change is the addition of “Kanpachi (Ocean-Farmed)” as an acceptable market name for Amberjack (Seriola rivoliana). This modification was prompted by Section 774 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, and was officially included in The Seafood List in July 2023 to comply with this legislative requirement.
These updates underscore the FDA’s dedication to ensuring transparency and accuracy in seafood labeling, benefiting both consumers and industry professionals by providing the necessary information to make informed choices and adhere to regulatory standards.
Over the years, the U.S. Federal Government has consistently provided scientifically sound guidance to the seafood industry and consumers regarding acceptable market names for seafood products sold across state lines.
This commitment resulted in a pivotal development in 1988 when the FDA, in collaboration with the National Marine Fisheries Service, introduced “The Fish List” to establish a reliable reference for seafood names, promoting consistency and clarity in the U.S. market and reducing consumer confusion.
While “The Fish List” achieved significant success, it had limitations, particularly its exclusion of invertebrate species.
Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive approach, in 1993, the list underwent a significant revision, expanding its scope to encompass acceptable market names for both domestic and imported invertebrate species sold across state lines. Consequently, it was rebranded as “The Seafood List.”
Today, “The Seafood List” remains a crucial resource for the seafood industry, aiding in proper seafood product labeling and ingredient lists in alignment with regulatory requirements.
This ongoing effort ensures transparency, accuracy, and informed choices for consumers in the seafood marketplace.
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