Full Breakdown
Catfish Sold as Cod and Haddock in North West Fish-and-Chips Shops
5/1/2026, 6:26:02 PM
Mislabelled Fish in Chip Shops – Core Findings
A BBC North West probe tested fish from ten takeaways—five in Liverpool, five in Manchester—after a Liverpool shop owner raised concerns. DNA barcoding at Liverpool John Moores University found pangasius (catfish) in three samples, despite menus listing cod, haddock or “fish”. The cheaper fish was sold without disclosure.
Background & Context
Mis-selling fish is a food-labelling issue, not a health risk, but echoes the 2013 horse-meat scandal that exposed consumer deception. CTSI says the practice is limited but present among “some unscrupulous businesses”.
Key Figures & Groups
The probe involved CTSI, National Trading Standards, the FSA, Salford Council and Prof. Stefano Mariani, who led the DNA tests. Andrew Cook, head of the National Federation of Fish Friers, also commented.
Data & Statistics
Ten shops were sampled; pangasius appeared in three (30%). Wholesale price: £3.40 kg?¹ versus £15 kg?¹ for cod/haddock. Retail portions: catfish £3.80-£5.20, cod/haddock £4-£6.
Official Statements & Responses
CTSI urges consumers to request species details when fish is unnamed and to contact trading-standards teams if doubtful. National Trading Standards calls it a “food labelling issue” and places responsibility with the FSA, which expects local authorities to investigate. Salford Council warned a trader after finding non-cod fish and asked residents to report concerns. The FSA advised that local authorities would likely lead on isolated cases.
Criticism & Opposition
Andrew Cook warned the practice “probably does go on” and said deception erodes public trust, even if pangasius is safe.
On-the-Ground Reports
Customers voiced mixed views: Steven Booth wants clear labelling, Linda Williams expects cod or haddock, and Chris Jones would try catfish but objects to it being sold as cod.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Among 21 contacted authorities, ten did not reply and eleven were unaware of fish-fraud, leaving the scale of the issue unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This goes on more than you'd think and it's putting people like me at a disadvantage,” — Liverpool chip-shop owner
- “We would advise, in instances where the fish species is not specified, for consumers to request this information from the business.” — Dean Cooke, CTSI food lead officer
What's Next
Crook urged chip shops to list the fish species on their menus. Ongoing DNA testing and consumer reporting are expected to shape enforcement, while industry bodies call for clearer labelling standards to restore confidence.
