British shoppers buying fish are being urged to check labels carefully, as some products sold under the name 'rock salmon' are actually something else. According to seafood specialists at Maine Lobster Now, 'rock salmon' is a commercial designation applied to certain small shark species.
The term can appear on fish packaging, counter displays and fish-and-chip shop menus alike, potentially misleading customers into thinking they are purchasing something like conventional salmon.
What is rock salmon?
Julian Klenda, a seafood specialist at Maine Lobster Now, said: "Rock salmon is not salmon from rocky waters, nor is it a cheaper variety of salmon. It is a name traditionally used for the meat of small sharks. That distinction matters because shark has separate NHS consumption advice, particularly for pregnant women, people trying to conceive and children."
Rock salmon is not the sole name that shoppers should be aware of. Defra's official register of UK commercial fish designations allows these species to be marketed as dogfish, flake, huss, rigg, rock eel or rock salmon. These are legitimate commercial descriptions, meaning their presence does not automatically indicate that a retailer has acted incorrectly.
Health guidance for shark
According to NHS guidance, shark – which contains high mercury levels – should be avoided by pregnant women, those attempting to conceive, as well as children aged 16 and under. The advice states that mercury levels present in shark can harm a child's nervous system and potentially damage an unborn baby's developing nervous system. For all other consumers, it is advised to limit consumption to no more than one portion of shark per week.
Julian added: "Most shoppers would not naturally place all six names in the same category. Someone may avoid a product clearly labelled 'shark' but happily order huss or rock salmon without realising that the same health guidance could apply. If the commercial name is unfamiliar, look for the scientific species name elsewhere on the packet or counter label. When buying from a fishmonger or takeaway, customers can also ask exactly which species is being sold."
How to avoid confusion
Standard salmon is not included in the NHS guidance to avoid shark. Shoppers should therefore not depend only on the word "salmon" when choosing a product. They should read the full product description and check for any reference to dogfish, flake, huss, rigg or rock eel.
Julian concluded: "This is not about being frightened of every fish dinner. It is about knowing what has actually been purchased and following the appropriate guidance for that species."
