Picture yourself at the fish counter. You’re choosing between two packs of cod. One clearly tells you when to use it by, where it came from and how it was caught. The other? Not much information at all. Which one would you feel happier putting in your basket?
That’s exactly why freshness labelling matters so much in the fish and seafood industry. It isn’t just about meeting regulatory requirements, it’s about protecting consumers, building trust and ensuring seafood businesses run smoothly.
What the rules say
In the UK, the Fish Labelling Regulations 2013 set out what must appear on labels for fish and aquaculture products. This includes:
- The commercial (legal) name of the fish
- Its scientific name (which can be displayed on a poster nearby)
- The production method (e.g. wild-caught or farmed)
- The catch or production area
- The type of fishing gear used
- Whether the fish has been defrosted
On top of this, the Food Information Regulations 2014 require “use-by” dates, storage instructions, country of origin and allergen information (with fish being one of the 14 major allergens).
Why it really matters
Keeping people safe
Seafood is one of the most perishable foods out there. Without clear dates and storage guidance, the risks of spoilage and food poisoning rise sharply. Labelling is the frontline defence.
Protecting trust
Sadly, seafood mislabelling has been a long-standing issue, whether it’s selling cheaper species under premium names or disguising origins. Freshness labelling, alongside traceability systems, reassures shoppers that what they see really is what they’re getting.
Meeting expectations
Today’s shoppers want more than “fresh fish” on a label. They want to know where it’s from, whether it’s sustainable and if it’s been frozen. Clear labelling helps them make choices they can feel good about.
How Hellenic Systems helps
Of course, meeting these labelling requirements day in, day out is no small task, especially for busy seafood processors. That’s where Hellenic Systems comes in.
- The Auto OCM (Outer Case Marking) System automates case-level labelling, so products leave the line correctly marked every time, without slowing production down.
- Theia Vision System checks labels automatically to make sure they’re accurate and legible.
- Printers, touch-screen terminals, scanners and software modules connect the dots, capturing data, tracking stock and generating the right labels for the right products.
Together, these tools give seafood businesses full visibility and control, so compliance isn’t a headache, it just happens.
The bigger picture
Getting freshness labelling right delivers benefits across the board:
- For regulators: it proves compliance
- For customers: it inspires trust and loyalty
- For businesses: it reduces errors, speeds up operations and helps cut waste
Freshness labelling for fish and seafood is critical because it tells the story of the product, where it came from, how it was handled and how long it will stay at its best. With consumer expectations higher than ever and regulations tightening, it’s something no seafood business can afford to overlook.
At Hellenic Systems, our technology makes accurate labelling and full traceability simple, covering everything from case marking to label inspection, so seafood businesses can deliver freshness, compliance and trust with every pack.
Chat to our team today to find out how we can help ensure your fish produce meets regulations and customer expectations.
