---
title: "Here's the Dish on Labeling Fish: 3 Solutions for Seafood Traceability"
description: Learn more about the ways seafood companies are labeling their catches and how making sure their products are not mislabeled.
image: https://info.weberpackaging.com/hs-fs/file-484243992-jpg/blog-files/fishing-industry.jpg
---
**Phone 1.800.843.4242 • [info@weberpackaging.com](mailto:info@weberpackaging.com) • 711 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005
[](http://www.weberpackaging.com)
# Labeling Innovations from Weber
## [Here's the Dish on Labeling Fish: 3 Solutions for Seafood Traceability](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/heres-the-dish-on-labeling-fish-3-solutions-for-seafood-traceability)
Posted by [Margaret O'Leary](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/author/margaret-oleary)
Mar 28, 2013 8:39:00 AM
[](http://blog.weberpackaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/fishing-industry.jpg)Seafood consumers were surprised by the recent report from [Oceana](http://oceana.org/en) about seafood labeling, which uncovered widespread mislabeling of seafood nationwide, including the fact that nearly 40 percent of the fish tested from restaurant menus were mislabeled.
The report highlighted the weaknesses in current seafood labeling regulations and enforcement of rules. Because of this, the U.S. Congress is working on two bills,[ HR 1012 ](http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr1012)and [S 520](http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113s520is/pdf/BILLS-113s520is.pdf).
However, at this time it is unclear this early on if the bills will gain traction.
To learn more about this, I sat down with our Vertical Markets manager, Paul Johnson. Paul has been researching the labeling issues facing the seafood industries and how we can help them.
He explained to me that ultimately the problem comes down to the lack of specificity in documentation during seafood business transactions.
The more information these seafood companies can provide on their packaging or label, the better.
It is important that seafood packaging includes:
- Harvest location, Date and Method (wild or farmed)
- Expiration Date
- Species, including market name and scientific name
- Product count and weight
Seafood companies are working with several companies and organizations to ensure that the information on the package is accurate.
## **Here are three options seafood companies are using for traceability**
**[](https://www.gs1us.org/industries/fresh-foods/seafood)1. GS1 Traceability**
One measure to consider is the adoption of the GS1 traceability model to boost authenticity through labeling consistency. GS1 is used across multiple industries, including fresh foods such as dairy, deli bakery and produce, and has been proven to strengthen supply-chain integrity.
The system uses a series of barcodes containing company and product specific information, including shipping container types and harvesting and processing locations.
These barcodes, along with other human-readable information, are generally printed on labels that are applied to pallets, cartons and RPC's (reusable plastic containers).
More information regarding GS1, specifically for the seafood industry, can be found [here](http://www.gs1us.org/industries/fresh-foods/seafood).
**[](http://www.msc.org/)2. Join an Industry Organization**
While the FDA is having a difficult time enforcing existing laws against mislabeling, joining an industry organization is a great way to support your businesses reputation.
Members of the Better Seafood Board or Marine Stewardship Council are audited for business practices and harvesting methods. All of these programs hold their members to certain standards.
Prominently displaying membership in these associations on your packaging or label is an effective way to reinforce consumers' trust in seafood brands because they are readlily apparent to the end-user.
**[](http://www.gulfseafoodtrace.org/howitworks/)3. Trace Register
**
One of the most innovative and engaging solutions that has emerged is [Trace Register](http://www.gulfseafoodtrace.org/howitworks/), an electronic traceability platform that allows industry participants, as well as the consumer, to learn where and when their seafood traveled.
This is very similar to the [HarvestMark](http://www.harvestmark.com/) system used in the fresh produce industry, in that users can use their smartphones to enter numeric code, or scan a QR code to download information regarding the product's history.
This is information that can appear directly on a retail package label or on shipping containers labels throughout the supply chain.
**The Label Suppliers Role**
No matter what solution you choose, you will need a label that can stand up to the elements throughout the supply-chain.Our seafood customers have found our labels to be a great fit in their labeling process.
Seafood labeling occurs in condensation-heavy environments that limits the material and adhesive types they can use. The label cannot hold moisture and must stick to surfaces damp with condensation.
Our Flexlyte 430 and Flexlyte 325 label materials represent two film-based materials that are up to this task.
Many customers are applying the labels to shipping cartons and freezer-ready boxes after some minimal processing has been complete. Those labels are imprinted with product information using a [thermal printer](http://www.weberpackaging.com/thermal-label-printers.html) and [thermal transfer ribbon](http://www.weberpackaging.com/thermal-transfer-ribbons.html).
These materials are also ideal for labeling RPC's. For high-volume processing, we have automatic application equipment, like our [Model 5300 label printer-applicator system](http://www.weberpackaging.com/5300-series-label-printer-applicators.html), which is proven to print and apply labels that adhere to environments described above.
For environments without a lot of condensation, we have multiple thermal-transfer (Transprint 425) and direct thermal, paper-based label (Thermalabel 400) materials available.
**If you would like more information about labeling difficult applications, like seafood, contact a Weber expert.
**
**[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/326660/f200b3fe-700f-41b2-a79c-e9020e8f97d9) **
Topics: [Traceability Labels](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/traceability-labels), [Labels](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/labels), [Labeling Systems](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/labeling-systems), [Food Labels](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/food-labels)
**FOLLOW Weber Packaging Solutions**
[](http://linkedin.com/company/weber-packaging-solutions-inc-/)[](https://www.youtube.com/c/WeberPackaging)[](https://www.instagram.com/weberpackaging/)[](https://www.facebook.com/WeberPackaging)
---
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/326660/e52c7d9c-ff85-4652-b095-a77b5ad27b80)
### Subscribe to Email Updates
### RECENT POSTS
### POSTS BY TOPIC
- [Labels (41)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/labels)
- [Food Labels (25)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/food-labels)
- [Digital Labels (19)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/digital-labels)
- [Label Applicators (18)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/label-applicators)
- [Labeling Systems (18)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/labeling-systems)
- [Label Printers (12)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/label-printers)
- [custom labels (11)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/custom-labels)
- [craft beer can labels (10)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/craft-beer-can-labels)
- [Label printer applicator (8)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/label-printer-applicator)
- [craft beer label materials (7)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/craft-beer-label-materials)
- [craft beer labels (7)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/craft-beer-labels)
- [GHS Labeling (6)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/ghs-labeling)
- [Trade Show (6)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/trade-show)
- [Weber News (6)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/weber-news)
- [90th anniversary (5)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/90th-anniversary)
- [Beer Labeling (5)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/beer-labeling)
- [RFID (5)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/rfid)
- [Traceability Labels (5)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/traceability-labels)
- [CIJ (4)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/cij)
- [Green Initiatives (4)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/green-initiatives)
- [Zebra label printers (4)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/zebra-label-printers)
- [food safety (4)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/food-safety)
- [freezer labels (4)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/freezer-labels)
- [Digital label printing (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/digital-label-printing)
- [Industrial tabletop label printer (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/industrial-tabletop-label-printer)
- [Markoprint Ink Jet Coders (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/markoprint-ink-jet-coders)
- [Model 4050 (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/model-4050)
- [Printer Ribbons (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/printer-ribbons)
- [RFID label printer (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/rfid-label-printer)
- [Thermal-Transfer Ribbons (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/thermal-transfer-ribbons)
- [Variable-height labeling (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/variable-height-labeling)
- [Zebra ZE500 print engine (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/zebra-ze500-print-engine)
- [Zebra ZT600 printers (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/zebra-zt600-printers)
- [blank labels (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/blank-labels)
- [chemical labeling (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/chemical-labeling)
- [cider labels (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/cider-labels)
- [cold product labeling (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/cold-product-labeling)
- [frozen food labels (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/frozen-food-labels)
- [kombucha labels (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/kombucha-labels)
- [pack leader PL-501 (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/pack-leader-pl-501)
- [pressure-sensitive labels (3)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/pressure-sensitive-labels)
- [2 Fools Cider (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/2-fools-cider)
- [GS1 labeling (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/gs1-labeling)
- [Go-Label (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/go-label)
- [Go-Mark 100 Wax Ribbons (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/go-mark-100-wax-ribbons)
- [HP Indigo label press (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/hp-indigo-label-press)
- [LA-2050 (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/la-2050)
- [RFID labeling (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/rfid-labeling)
- [RFID tags (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/rfid-tags)
- [Transthin 400 labels (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/transthin-400-labels)
- [Walmart mandates (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/walmart-mandates)
- [ZE-500 (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/ze-500)
- [beer labeling system (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/beer-labeling-system)
- [booklet labels (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/booklet-labels)
- [cannabis labeling (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/cannabis-labeling)
- [coffee labels (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/coffee-labels)
- [coupon labels (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/coupon-labels)
- [craft beer brewers (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/craft-beer-brewers)
- [craft beer label ebook (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/craft-beer-label-ebook)
- [craft beverage labels (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/craft-beverage-labels)
- [craft soda labeling (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/craft-soda-labeling)
- [craft soda labels (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/craft-soda-labels)
- [extended content labels (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/extended-content-labels)
- [food labeling systems (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/food-labeling-systems)
- [high-speed labeling (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/high-speed-labeling)
- [inkjet printers (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/inkjet-printers)
- [label printer applicators (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/label-printer-applicators)
- [print engines (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/print-engines)
- [print-apply (2)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/print-apply)
- [4-sided carton labeling (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/4-sided-carton-labeling)
- [Bestcode (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/bestcode)
- [Cast and cure finishing (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/cast-and-cure-finishing)
- [DataMatrix bar codes (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/datamatrix-bar-codes)
- [ECO thermal-transfer ribbons (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/eco-thermal-transfer-ribbons)
- [Epson C6000 (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/epson-c6000)
- [Epson C6000 Series inkjet label printers (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/epson-c6000-series-inkjet-label-printers)
- [Epson C6500 (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/epson-c6500)
- [Epson ink cartridges (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/epson-ink-cartridges)
- [Epson inkjet labels (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/epson-inkjet-labels)
- [GS1 DataMatrix (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/gs1-datamatrix)
- [GS1 Healthcare GS1 (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/gs1-healthcare-gs1)
- [HD Flexo (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/hd-flexo)
- [HP ink cartridges (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/hp-ink-cartridges)
- [ISO certification (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/iso-certification)
- [ISO certified company (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/iso-certified-company)
- [Ink Jet Coders (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/ink-jet-coders)
- [Labeling Regulations (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/labeling-regulations)
- [Mother Road Soda (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/mother-road-soda)
- [On-Demand Color Label Printing (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/on-demand-color-label-printing)
- [Pack Expo Trade show (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/pack-expo-trade-show)
- [Pack Leader ELF-50 (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/pack-leader-elf-50)
- [Product Feeders (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/product-feeders)
- [RFID Basics (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/rfid-basics)
- [Social Media (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/social-media)
- [Thermal Inkjet Printers (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/thermal-inkjet-printers)
- [Thermal transfer label printers (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/thermal-transfer-label-printers)
- [Thermathin 375 (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/thermathin-375)
- [Walmart Case Labeling Requirements (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/walmart-case-labeling-requirements)
- [Weber history (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/weber-history)
- [Zebra G Series label printers (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/zebra-g-series-label-printers)
- [Zebra GC Printers (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/zebra-gc-printers)
- [Zebra GK printers (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/zebra-gk-printers)
- [Zebra GX printers (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/zebra-gx-printers)
- [Zebra desktop label printers (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/zebra-desktop-label-printers)
- [beer can labeling system (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/beer-can-labeling-system)
- [blood bag labels (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/blood-bag-labels)
- [bottle labeling (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/bottle-labeling)
- [bottle labeling systems (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/bottle-labeling-systems)
- [cannabis labels (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/cannabis-labels)
- [cast & cure finishing (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/cast-cure-finishing)
- [coffee bag labels (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/coffee-bag-labels)
- [coffee company (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/coffee-company)
- [corner-wrap label printer applicator (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/corner-wrap-label-printer-applicator)
- [craft beer labeling system (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/craft-beer-labeling-system)
- [craft beverage labeling (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/craft-beverage-labeling)
- [custom labeling system (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/custom-labeling-system)
- [customer satisfaction (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/customer-satisfaction)
- [economical print apply system (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/economical-print-apply-system)
- [industrial label printers (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/industrial-label-printers)
- [inkjet labels (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/inkjet-labels)
- [label application (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/label-application)
- [label applicator (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/label-applicator)
- [label certifications (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/label-certifications)
- [label design (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/label-design)
- [label effects (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/label-effects)
- [label printing (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/label-printing)
- [labels for bottles (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/labels-for-bottles)
- [no-mess inkjet coding (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/no-mess-inkjet-coding)
- [picking the right label material (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/picking-the-right-label-material)
- [thermal transfer printers (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/thermal-transfer-printers)
- [tool labels (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/tool-labels)
- [wild onion brewery (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/wild-onion-brewery)
- [wrap-around bottle labelers (1)](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/topic/wrap-around-bottle-labelers)
[see all](https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/heres-the-dish-on-labeling-fish-3-solutions-for-seafood-traceability#)
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "Margaret O'Leary",
"url" : "https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/author/margaret-oleary"
},
"datePublished" : "2013-03-28T13:39:00.000Z",
"headline" : "Here's the Dish on Labeling Fish: 3 Solutions for Seafood Traceability",
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@id" : "https://info.weberpackaging.com/blog/heres-the-dish-on-labeling-fish-3-solutions-for-seafood-traceability",
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://info.weberpackaging.com/hubfs/weber-packaging-solutions_rgb.jpg"
},
"name" : "Weber Packaging Solutions"
}
}
```