"The resolution adopted by the European Parliament today is a clear signal to the European Commission and to European consumers: we need more transparency and traceability in product labelling of fisheries and aquaculture products at retail outlets and in restaurants. European consumers need to know what's on their plate!" explained Alain Cadec MEP, Chairman of the Fisheries Committee, following a vote on a resolution asking for better traceability of fishery products.

"70% of fishery and aquaculture products sold on the European market are imports. It is absolutely necessary that they meet the same traceability standards as European products,” said Gabriel Mato MEP, EPP Group Spokesperson in the Fisheries Committee.

A unique European label would be a guarantee of respect for environmental, social and sanitary standards

Alain Cadec and Gabriel Mato MEPs

"We are now asking that mistaken labelling, whether it be fraudulent or unintentional, be punished. Reports from NGOs identify worrying cases of erroneous labelling of fish served in various restaurants. We therefore ask that national anti-fraud controls are reinforced in catering and retail distribution," added Gabriel Mato.

"We have now been asking for almost seven years, as the EPP Group, for the creation of a unique European label. This would improve readability for the consumer, who is lost in the multiplication of private labels. A unique European label would be a guarantee of respect for environmental, social and sanitary standards," the EPP Group MEPs added.

"Finally, as planned in my pilot project adopted in 2015, I am pleased that the European Commission is going to create an external and independent structure that will be in charge of verifying voluntary information, for example, the date of capture or the product's nutritional contents. I supported this idea and it will allow consumers to make informed choices when they buy their products," concluded Alain Cadec.