A Worcestershire fish and chip has been prosecuted for selling battered Pangasius fillets as Cod.
The Catshill Fish Bar of Golden Cross Lane, has been fined a total of 9285, including a 4000 fine each for its two directors.
Officers visited the shop after a consumer complaint in May 2008. Analysis proved that the fish purchased was indeed Pangasius catfish meat, which can be bought in this country for around two thirds of the price of Cod.
Also marketed as Vietnamese River Cobbler, Pangasius catfish are being farmed commercially in Vietnam for food, before being frozen and shipped to this country.
This was a clear case of the substitution of cod for a cheaper species, John Dell, county trading standards divisional manager told the Bromsgrove Advertiser.
The fine imposed by the district judge reflected the seriousness of the case.
Manjit Singh of Monument Lane Bromsgrove, Dalbar Singh of Birmingham Road and D&M Trading of Bromsgrove each pleaded guilty to two offences under the Food Safety Act 1990.
There is no reason why catfish should not be sold, but it is absolutely essential that traders accurately describe it. Said Dell.