Warning over dangerous fish as scammers DYE cheap tuna cuts pink so they appear fresh
'Millions' of low-quality tuna steaks have been dyed pink by fraudsters to give them the appearance of being more expensive
SHOPPERS are being warned about a scam in which fraudsters dye low quality cuts of fish to make them appear more premium.
"Millions" of portions are being dyed pink to make them appear more fresh and expensive.
According to official figures, around five million tuna portions are being dyed, and the trick is making scammers hundreds of millions of pounds each year.
While the colouring of tuna is believed to mainly occur in France, Italy and Spain, the reports that the dyed fish could make its way to the UK.
Tuna steaks are typically very expensive, at around £25 per kg.
By dyeing low quality cuts pink, con artists are potentially doubling their value price.
A European Commission document seen by the industry magazine reports that consumers across the EU are paying £174 million for fish that is illegally treated with vegetable extracts, which contain high levels of nitrites.
This is what gives the fish the pinkish colour seen in high-quality tuna.
As well as being a rip-off, the tuna could also be dangerous as the dye contains high levels of histamines that can cause people to suffer allergic reactions.
Enrico Brivio, EU spokesperson for Health, Food Safety, Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, told IntraFish that action was being taken to try and stop the fraudsters.
“There is a close collaboration between the EU Food Fraud network and the fish industry to stop this alleged illegal practice,” he said.
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