What is surimi? Consumer Fraud from Seafood

Surimi is chopped fish or crab muscle. No newcomer to our industrial society, surimi is a traditional Japanese product that has been manufactured for centuries. Depending on the ingredients used (e.g. fish filets or fish cuts), however, the quality of today's products can differ significantly from that of their forefathers. Using technological methods such as washing and pressing, a white, pasty, neutral-tasting mass is made. Many additives are added, including polyphosphates, sorbitol, sorbic acid and, in some cases, soy- or chicken protein and flavoring.  With the help of bell pepper extract as a coloring agent, surimi is formed into deceptively realistic-looking crustaceans such as shrimp or lobster tails. In shops one can also find surimi sticks (made of multiple rolled-up layers) which, due to their forms, cannot be confused with crustaceans.

According to guidelines in the German food code for products made from fish, crabs and mollusks, these must contain the following information on the label: "Surimi, fish preparation, formed from fish muscle protein."  If the product is a replica of a crustacean, e.g. a prawn, the label must read: "Surimi, imitation prawn made from fish muscle protein".

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