Disappearance sharks found in the seafood of the American grocery store, warn the study

A study discovered an error in making shark meat in the American markets, with an endangered threat species Sold at low prices under wave labels.

A recent survey of researchers from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill revealed a disturbing trend in the American seafood market. Shark meat sold in grocery stores, fish markets and even online is not only frequently erroneous, but often comes from species at risk of extinction.

The team analyzed 29 samples using DNA Bar coding to confirm what type of shark was sold. Their results have shown that 93% of the products were labeled vague or misleading, and meat came from 11 different species.

Alarming, some of the samples have been identified as a large hammer and a screaming hammer, to which the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified as being in danger in a critical way. Despite their precarious status and their decrease in the world’s population, the meat of these sharks was available for American buyers for as little as $ 2.99 per book.

“The bad labeling and ambiguous labeling reduce consumers’ ability to choose what they put in their bodies,” said Savannah Ryburn, PH.D., the first author of the study and co-instructor of the Legal Medicine Class of Sea Fruits that conducted research. “For example, two species of our study, Hammerhead Festonnée and Great Hammerhead, were labeled ambiguous as” sharks “, even if they are strongly advised consumption because of their very high levels of mercury. Without precise and precise labeling, consumers cannot avoid buying these products. ”

Health risk of poorly labeled shark meat

The researchers noted that of the 29 products tested, 27 were labeled simply as “shark” or “Mako shark” without designation of species. Even among the two products labeled with a species name, one proved incorrect. These results highlight a major gap in the transparency of seafood and consumer safety.

“The United States should demand that seafood distributors provide specific names to species for products sold,” said John Bruno, PH.D., a distinguished and co-instructor professor of the Legal Fruits Legal Medicine Class.

Shark meat is known to contain high levels of mercury, which may have serious risks for human health, especially for children and speakers. Researchers point out that precise labeling is essential not only for conservation but also for consumer protection.

“Sharks such as the great and scorching hammers are the equivalent of the Lions of the Ocean, and we were shocked by the way the meat of these rare and long lifespan predators was sold,” added Ryburn. “Some samples only cost $ 2.99 per book.”

The study, which contributes to a set of limited but increasing research using DNA bar coding to study the precision Label of shark products in the United States calls for stronger regulations and monitoring seafood labeling practices.

Reference: “Sale of critical downside of extinction in the United States” by Savannah J. Ryburn, Tammy Yu, Kelly J. NGO, Eldridge Sissely, Meggan A. Alston, Ella Howie, Peyton Leroy, Sarah Elizabeth Giang Hanson, Teagan Hibbard, Bryson Loflin, Joshua Lopez, Kailey Myers, Andrés Pinos-Sánchez, Alejandra Maria Suarez Garcia, Adriana Retamale Romero, Audrey Thomas, Rhiannon Williams, Anabel Zaldivar and John F. Bruno, August 5, 2025 Borders in marine science.
Two: 10.3389 / FMARS.2025.1604454

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