International Desk: Manufacturers are altering the contents of canned mackerel due to market shortages caused by overfishing. Instead of standard or traditional mackerel, a different species known as ‘Jack Mackerel’ is being packed into the cans. Consumer rights organizations and experts have expressed serious concern over the sale of this inferior species at the same or similar price points.
Over the past year, major brands like Princes and certain supermarkets have switched to using Jack Mackerel fillets in their canned mackerel products. Although the name is stated on the packaging, food experts argue that it cannot be a true substitute for authentic oily mackerel; Jack Mackerel is a completely different species with distinct taste, aroma, texture, and nutritional value.
In addition to Princes, the supermarket chain Lidl has recently joined the list of retailers making this switch. Marcus Ansell, a reviewer of canned seafood, had previously rated Lidl’s authentic mackerel fillets an 8 out of 10 in a video. However, he subsequently gave a rating of only 3.5 out of 10 to the new Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified Jack Mackerel product that replaced it.
Ansell stated that Jack Mackerel is significantly inferior in quality and cannot serve as a substitute for genuine mackerel. It differs from standard mackerel in taste, smell, and texture. He reported that many customers have expressed extreme disappointment after purchasing and consuming the product, having mistakenly believed it to be authentic mackerel.
There is also a significant difference in nutritional value between the two fish. Jack Mackerel contains roughly half the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids—a nutrient recommended for consumption twice weekly as part of a healthy diet—found in standard mackerel. However, according to the *Financial Times*, the price of Chilean jack mackerel is about one-third lower than that of authentic Atlantic mackerel. Consumer groups have termed the practice of using cheaper fish in cans while maintaining the same retail price as “skimpflation.”
Sue Davies, Head of Food Policy at the consumer rights organization ‘Which?’, stated that canned fish is a popular choice for obtaining essential nutrients at an affordable price. While processors may face challenges regarding supply shortages and sustainable production, any changes to product recipes or ingredients should be clearly communicated to consumers. Shoppers feel misled when purchasing products without being aware of these changes.
The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) amended product labeling regulations last year. The new rules permit this species to be marketed as “jack mackerel”; previously, it could only be sold under names such as “horse mackerel,” “jack,” “scad,” or “trevally.”
Last year, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) warned that mackerel stocks were at severe risk due to overfishing. In its ‘Good Fish Guide,’ the organization placed North-East Atlantic mackerel on the “red list,” advising consumers to avoid buying or eating it.
In response to this crisis, Princes stated that it had moved away from using North-East Atlantic mackerel due to concerns regarding unregulated and environmentally damaging fishing practices. The new fish variety is clearly indicated on the packaging. The company noted that it would consider reverting to the original mackerel if sustainable management is restored and MSC certification is obtained in the future.
Lidl, among others, reported that it has begun using MSC-certified Chilean jack mackerel and will make decisions regarding future purchases based on scientific advice and a review of its policies. Additionally, earlier this year, the retailer Waitrose suspended sales of mackerel due to overfishing and advised customers to purchase herring or other fish instead.
Authentic Source: The Guardian – Business
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