The fishing sector in Spain has issued a new statement regarding consumption, warning about the presence in the market of plant-based products that could create confusion regarding their packaging and labeling with fishery products.
"They are neither fish nor do they provide the nutrients, minerals, and benefits of fishery products," stated CEPESCA, the Spanish Confederation of Fishing, which, together with other associations, filed a complaint led by Bibiana Medialdea, Director-General of Consumer Affairs.
The issue, they explain, is that in an effort to promote their consumption, these products intend to mimic real fishery products. Specifically, both the labeling and presentation would be misleading. As they elaborated, these products "clearly confuse consumers because, by using these names, they make them believe that by consuming them, they can obtain the same nutritional benefits as with fishery products."
Therefore, in these complaint letters sent this month, the most representative organizations in the fishing and aquaculture sector have requested that the Ministry of Consumer Affairs take the necessary steps, with the utmost urgency, to review and subsequently withdraw these fraudulent products. According to them, this is an attempt to "deceive consumers."
Furthermore, as clarified by CEPESCA in their latest letter to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, it may even violate EU regulations. In the letter, they specify that it would violate several rules related to unfair competition practices, labeling, presentation, advertising of food products, and food safety and nutrition.
The sector's statements are based on two specific examples: hake and canned tuna. In the letter, the organizations have also included nutritional tables comparing the nutrients in the vegan product called "MERLVZA" by HEURA FOODS with real hake, as well as with "natural vegan tuna" from the SEA SO GOOD brand and natural tuna.
The sector considers these tables, obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) and its Guide to the Nutritional Qualities of Fishery and Aquaculture Products, to clearly demonstrate the nutritional benefits of real fish that plant-based products lack. According to the sector, this constitutes a fraudulent and misleading practice for consumers.
As the sector explains in its statement, "We mention these examples, but we are aware that there are more plant-based products sold by other companies that, taking advantage of the growing trend of veganism among the population, occupy a market niche while confusing consumers."
Founded in June 2007, CEPESCA (Spanish Conference Federation) stands as Europe's largest national fishing industry organization with global clout. This influential entity proudly represents 41 fishing vessel owner associations, over 800 fishing companies, a fleet of 867 vessels, and a workforce of approximately 10,000 dedicated individuals. Remarkably, CEPESCA commands control over 50% of Spain's national catch.
