AVA tells traders to label fish correctly following reports of oil fish sold as cod

26 January 2007 1929 hrs (CNA)

SINGAPORE: The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority in Singapore has instructed traders to comply with labelling requirements.

This follows reports that oil fish is being touted and sold as cod fish.

It says many consumers may not be aware of the laxative side effects of eating oil fish due to the high content of indigestible waxy oil.

If not prepared properly or eaten in large quantities, it could cause diarrhoea in some consumers.

AVA says traders should correctly label the fish so that consumers can identify it.

Under its Sale of Food Act, it is an offence to sell food products which do not comply with labelling requirements.

If convicted, a person can be fined up to $5,000.

For subsequent convictions, he can be fined a maximum of $10,000 or jailed up to 3 months or both.

MediaCorp has been receiving calls from the public voicing concern about whether oil fish is safe to eat.

AVA says grilling will help to reduce the heavy fat content, and not everyone who eats the fish will be affected.

It gives the assurance that fish sold in Singapore is safe to eat. - CNA /dt