Several overseas canned fish products are under the Government’s radar following reports of deceptive labelling.

Opposition Member of Parliament Semi Koroilavesau raised the concerns during the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs submission on the Ministry’s Trade and Tourism 2018-2019 Annual Report on Tuesday.

Ministry of Trade Permanent Secretary Shaheen Ali confirmed receiving reports from local traders, including the Pacific Fishing Company (PAFCO).

Mr Koroilavesau said PAFCO had raised the issue of the quality of imported canned fish during one of its visits to the factory.

Are these canned fish fit for human consumption?

Mr Ali said it was unfortunate that consumers purchase these products because they were sold at a cheap price.

Mr Koroilavesau referenced the false labelling of these imported tinned fish products.

“One of the incidents, the tin was labelled as mahimahi, but the content of the fish was not mahimahi,” he said.

“The other label is the picture does not reflect the content of the product.”

He said the Government needed to protect PAFCO and the employment it provides.

PAFCO is the biggest employer on Ovalau Island, and employers over a 1000 people when operations are at its maximum.

Mr Ali said canned fish from overseas markets were being analysed by the Ministry of Health to identify foul manufacturers.

“We need to identify these products, have a proper scientific analysis and ensure it does not come in.”

But such tests are expensive. However, Mr Ali said they had requested a budget to carry out their investigations.

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Story by: josefa.babitu@fijisun.com.fj