Falsely labeled "Norwegian" fish a common problem for exporters

First came the reports fish being sold in China are often falsely labeled as "Norwegian," due to high consumer confidence in Norwegian seafood.

Exporters in other countries say the problem is not limited to China. Bogus “Norwegian” fish can be found in markets throughout Europe, Steinar Eliassen, managing director of the export firm Norfra, told IntraFish.

“It’s an especially big problem in Portugal,” Eliassen said. “Where Portuguese consumers are concerned, the value of Norwegian bacalao is cheapened by such practices.”

Falsely labeled fish removes the cache -- and drives down the market price -- of genuine Norwegian fish.

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