UK households buying salmon are being urged to check labels carefully, as the name 'rock salmon' is not actually a variety of salmon at all. It is a commercial name used for certain small species of shark, according to experts from Maine Lobster Now.
The harmless-sounding name can appear on fish packets, counter labels and fish-and-chip shop menus, potentially leading customers to believe they are buying something related to ordinary salmon – but this may not be the case.
What 'rock salmon' really is
Julian Klenda, seafood expert at Maine Lobster Now, explained: "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."
However, rock salmon is not the only name shoppers should keep an eye out for. Defra’s official list of UK commercial fish designations allows relevant species to be sold as dogfish, flake, huss, rigg, rock eel or rock salmon. These are legal commercial descriptions, meaning their appearance does not necessarily mean that a retailer has done anything wrong.
Health guidance for shark
According to the NHS, shark – which is high in mercury – should not be eaten by people who are pregnant or trying to conceive, as well as children and teens aged 16 or under. The guidance says that the mercury levels found in shark can affect a child’s nervous system and damage the developing nervous system of an unborn baby. For everyone else, it's recommended to eat no more than one portion of shark in a week.
Julian continued: "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 shop safely
Julian added: "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."
Ordinary salmon isn't covered by the NHS instruction to avoid shark. Shoppers should therefore avoid relying on the word “salmon” alone when selecting a product. They should read the complete product description and look for any mention of dogfish, flake, huss, rigg or rock eel.
