Full Breakdown
Supermarket Tinned “Mackerel” Swapped for Cheaper Jack Mackerel Amid Overfishing Concerns
By Drooid · · How we work
The Substitution Explained
Major UK retailers—including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Lidl, and Waitrose—are selling tins labelled “mackerel” that actually contain Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus spp.). Princes, the primary supplier for many store-brand tins, says the species is “clearly identified on our products” and was chosen as a “true mackerel replacement” after sustainability concerns and consumer testing.
Background & Context
ICES reports a three-quarter decline in northeast Atlantic mackerel stocks over the past decade. Scientists have urged a reduction of catches by more than 70 % to avert collapse, yet quotas have averaged 39 % higher than advice since 2010. The “mackerel wars” involve the UK, Norway, the EU, Russia, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. DEFRA amended labelling rules to permit the term “jack mackerel,” previously restricted to “horse mackerel,” “jack,” “scad” or “trevally.”
Data & Statistics
- Jack mackerel costs roughly one-third of true Atlantic mackerel.
- It contains about 100 fewer calories per 100 g and roughly half the omega-3 fatty acids of genuine mackerel.
- Vitamin B12 levels are about one-third of those in true mackerel, while protein content is slightly higher.
- The Marine Conservation Society rates northeast Atlantic mackerel “red” (a fish to avoid).
- Sales of tinned fish have risen by nearly 20 % over the last two years.
Official Statements & Responses
Princes emphasised that the new product is fully labelled and would reconsider sourcing true mackerel if sustainable management and MSC certification were restored. Lidl reiterated its commitment to responsibly managed fisheries and announced a review of northeast Atlantic mackerel compliance before its next purchasing window for smoked mackerel. DEFRA’s rule change now allows “jack mackerel” to be marketed under the generic “mackerel” heading.
Criticism & Opposition
Consumer group Which? called the practice “skimpflation,” arguing shoppers pay the same price for a product with significantly reduced nutritional value.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is a great pity that we will eat imported fish from a long way away instead of locally caught fish,” — Stewart Harper, former managing director of North Atlantic Fishing Company
- “Jack mackerel is of significantly lower quality,” — Marcus Ansell
- “While manufacturers face genuine supply chain pressures and sustainability challenges, they have a responsibility to shoppers to be completely upfront when they change a product’s recipe,” — Sue Davies
Why It Matters
Tinned mackerel is promoted as an affordable source of omega-3s, linked to heart health and cognitive function. Replacing it with a fish that delivers only half the omega-3s and a third of the vitamin B12 undermines public-health recommendations for two weekly portions of oily fish and may erode consumer trust.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Retailers differ on how prominently the “jack mackerel” label appears. Some display plain “mackerel” signage, others use explicit wording. Consumer awareness of the substitution remains unclear, as does the timeline for any reinstatement of true mackerel if MSC certification returns.
What’s Next
Lidl will reassess northeast Atlantic mackerel compliance before its next smoked-mackerel purchasing window. Princes will consider re-introducing true mackerel should sustainable management improve. DEFRA’s recent amendment suggests further regulatory adjustments may follow as the industry adapts to ongoing stock assessments.
