Sec. 540.475 Snapper - Labeling (CPG 7108.21)
BACKGROUND:
The name "red snapper" has been preempted by many years of consistent
consumer usage as meaning only the fish, Lutjanus campechanus. Because of the high esteem
in which this fish is held by consumers, and the relatively limited catch, there have been
numerous attempts to substitute other, less expensive fishes for this species. Substituted
less desirable species have included members of the family Lutjanidae, groupers, a number
of West Coast rockfishes of the genus Sebastes, and other species. The West Coast
rockfishes have, until relatively recently, been distributed mostly locally, and thus have
been beyond the reach of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Some of the States on
the Pacific Coast have officially sanctioned "red snapper" as an alternative
name for such members of the Sebastes genus, although these fishes are quite different in
appearance, flavor, and texture, and are generally regarded by consumers familiar with
Lutjanus campechanus as inferior.
POLICY:
The labeling or sale of any fish other than Lutjanus campechanus as "red snapper" constitutes a misbranding in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Issued: 10/1/80