UK chip shops caught selling catfish as ‘traditional’ fish and chips

The Hidden Cost of Traditional Fish and Chips

For many, a plate of fish and chips is a cultural cornerstone. However, a recent investigation by the BBC has revealed a troubling trend in England: the substitution of premium white fish with significantly cheaper alternatives.

The investigation found that several shops were selling catfish—typically farmed and imported from Southeast Asia—while presenting it as traditional fish and chips. This practice is driven by a stark price disparity in the wholesale market.

According to the findings, catfish costs approximately £3.40 per kilogram, whereas staples like cod or haddock cost roughly £15 per kilogram. By substituting the species, businesses can operate at a fraction of the cost, as catfish is less than a quarter of the price of traditional UK favorites.

The DNA Revolution: Ending the Era of Food Fraud

One of the most challenging aspects of policing food fraud is that misrepresentation is often intelligence-led. Without a specific tip or a suspicious customer review, the only way to verify the species of a cooked fillet is through expensive laboratory testing.

In this instance, the BBC identified 10 businesses for testing—five in Liverpool and five in Manchester—after analyzing online reviews where customers complained that the fish was not cod or haddock, just some cheap white fish.

DNA testing conducted at Liverpool John Moores University confirmed that three of the 10 sampled shops were selling pangasius. Professor Stefano Mariani, who oversaw the testing, noted the significance of this ratio:

“In my experience with fish and chips, three out of 10 is quite a lot — I don’t recall seeing this level of catfish.” Professor Stefano Mariani, Liverpool John Moores University

As food fraud becomes more sophisticated, the industry is likely to see a shift toward more frequent, systemic DNA barcoding. Rather than relying on random checks, we may see the implementation of mandatory batch testing for wholesalers to ensure the integrity of the supply chain before the product even reaches the fryer.

Beyond the Menu: The Future of Seafood Traceability

The “catfish scandal” highlights a growing gap in consumer trust. Under UK law, businesses are required to disclose the fish species if a customer asks. Yet, the BBC found that some servers simply pointed to signs advertising traditional fish and chips or described the product vaguely as white fish.

To combat this, the seafood industry is moving toward “Radical Transparency.” Future trends suggest the integration of blockchain technology and QR codes on menus. Imagine scanning a code on your table to see the exact vessel that caught your cod or the specific farm in Southeast Asia where your pangasius was raised.

This shift would move the burden of proof from the consumer to the provider, turning transparency into a competitive advantage rather than a legal hurdle. [Link to our guide on sustainable seafood sourcing]

Sustainable Alternatives vs. Deceptive Practices

There is a significant difference between selling a sustainable alternative and committing food fraud. Pangasius is an efficient protein source, but the deception lies in the pricing and labeling.

The BBC found that catfish portions were sold for £3.80, £4.20 and £5, while portions advertised as cod or haddock typically ranged between £4 and £6. When a business charges premium prices for a budget product, it ceases to be a “sustainable choice” and becomes a financial deception.

The future of the industry may lie in honest labeling. By marketing catfish as an affordable, sustainable alternative rather than hiding it behind the “traditional” label, shops could attract budget-conscious diners without risking their reputation or legal standing.

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