May 15th 2024.
According to recent research, it turns out that many people who enjoy a good fish and chips lunch from their local takeaway might actually be unknowingly consuming endangered shark meat. A team of researchers from Macquarie University discovered that a significant portion of shark meat being sold in Australian fish markets and takeaways was mislabelled, including the meat of threatened species.
In order to uncover the truth, the researchers collected 91 samples of shark meat from 28 different retailers across six states and territories in Australia. They then used a process called DNA barcoding to identify the specific species of each sample. The results were shocking - a whopping 70% of the samples were found to be mislabelled.
It seems that one of the main issues is that shark meat is often sold under the generic name of "flake", which is supposed to only come from two specific species - the gummy shark and the New Zealand rig shark. However, the study revealed that 88% of the samples labelled as "flake" actually came from neither of these species, and nine of them were even from threatened species.
Interestingly, the researchers also noted that the mislabelling was more prevalent in takeaway shops compared to fish markets and wholesalers. This is concerning, as it means that consumers may not be able to trust the labelling of their food when eating out.
Nicolette Armansin, one of the authors of the study, emphasized the importance of improving labelling standards and enforcement in light of declining shark populations. She also mentioned the potential of using rapid DNA testing to monitor seafood supply chains on a larger scale.
The research, which was published in the journal Marine and Freshwater Research, sheds light on the urgent need for more accurate labelling and regulation in the seafood industry. In the meantime, if you're a fan of fish and chips, it might be worth asking your local takeaway about the source of their "flake" before placing your order. And if you want to stay updated on all the latest news, celebrity gossip, and sports updates, be sure to follow our WhatsApp channel for a private and ad-free experience.
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