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EU Debates Labeling of Plant-Based 'Fish': Fishing Sector Demands Consumer Clarity

SPAIN
Thursday, July 10, 2025, 01:00 (GMT + 9)

A European Parliament study reveals that 45% of plant-based substitutes use names suggesting a connection to fish, but only 13% clarify the product's true nature. The European fishing sector calls for stricter labeling rules to prevent confusion and ensure truthful information.

MADRID – The Spanish fishing and aquaculture value chain¹ strongly supports the conclusions of a recent European Parliament study warning about the misleading labeling of plant-based fish and seafood substitutes. The report, titled "Labeling of plant-based seafood substitutes: scope and issues at stake,"² highlights the growing market for these alternatives and recommends clearly differentiating plant-based products from authentic fish and seafood, avoiding misleading names and images that could confuse consumers.

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Among its main conclusions, the EP report indicates that 45% of the analyzed products use fictitious names suggesting a relationship with fish and seafood, and that only 13% provide sufficient information to clarify what the product truly is. This ambiguity violates the European Union's Food Information to Consumers Regulation (FIC Regulation)^3, which stipulates that food must not mislead, especially regarding its nature and identity.

Furthermore, the EP study reveals the widespread use of misleading marketing strategies and recommends updating EU labeling legislation to ensure consumers receive truthful and accurate information. In particular, the report recommends prohibiting the use of commercial names of aquatic species on products that do not contain fish or seafood, a measure that would effectively prevent consumer deception.

The fishing sector also supports the EP's recommendations to modify the FIC Regulation to prohibit the use of fish species names on products that do not contain fish, apply stricter labeling rules for plant-based substitutes (ensuring a clear list of ingredients and processing information), and promote authentic EU seafood products through a specific Blue Food Action Plan.

The sector agrees with the study's call to move beyond imprecise "plant-based" or "vegan" labels, promoting clear information about main ingredients, country of origin, and processing level. According to the sector, this is especially vital in a market where the health image surrounding plant-based products can hide the reality: many of these products are ultra-processed, high in salt or fats, and contain allergens or ingredients like colorants and preservatives.

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As stated by the sector, "We have no problem with new food products. Innovation is part of our common future. However, it's important to call things by their name and not mislead. European seafood products remain one of the most nutritious, sustainable, and low-carbon footprint foods. They are produced and placed on the market by qualified professionals, are strictly regulated, and are a source of high biological value proteins rich in essential nutrients, including natural Omega-3."

For all these reasons, the fishing chain believes it is essential to maintain consumer trust and defend high European food standards. "This is not about plant-based products versus seafood. It's about the truthfulness of advertising. When a consumer chooses a product, they deserve to know exactly what it is, what it contains, and how it is made. This study provides a constructive roadmap to achieve that," the sector points out.

Finally, it is worth noting that last June, a group of 12 EU Member States, led by Czechia and including Spain, urged the European Commission to present a legislative proposal to protect the denominations of animal-derived foods, with the aim of preventing their use in plant-based products. This initiative seeks to extend the existing protection for dairy products to all animal-derived foods, in order to ensure greater clarity for consumers and avoid misleading labeling.

1 Asociación de Fabricantes y Distribuidores (AECOC) Asociación Nacional de Fabricantes de Conservas y Productos Transformados de Pescados y Mariscos (ANFACO-CYTMA), Asociación Empresarial de Acuicultura de España (APROMAR), Cooperativa de Armadores de pesca del Puerto de Vigo (ARVI), Asociación Española de Mayoristas, Importadores, Transformadores y Exportadores de Productos de la Pesca y Acuicultura (CONXEMAR), Federación Nacional de Asociaciones Provinciales de Empresarios Detallistas de Pescados y Productos Congelados (FEDEPESCA), Asociación de Empresarios Mayoristas de Pescados de Madrid (AEMPM), Federación Nacional de Cofradías de Pescadores (FNCP) Confederación Española de Pesca (CEPESCA) y Pesca España

2 EU Parliament (2025). Etiquetado de los sustitutos vegetales de los productos del mar: alcance y cuestiones en juego. Estudio para la Comisión de Pesca (PECH).

3 Reglamento (UE) n.º 1169/2011 sobre la información alimentaria facilitada al consumidor (Reglamento FIC).

Related News:

• New Study Calls for Overhaul of Plant-Based Seafood Labeling to Combat Consumer Deception

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