The State Consumption General Directorate has imposed a sanction on the Pescanova food company, proposing a penalty of 48,000 euros for products marketed under the Pasta of the Sea brand. The central concern is that several items do not actually reflect true pasta composition or the fish varieties listed on their labels, a point raised by the consumer association FACUA after filing a formal complaint.
One issue raised is that the noodles and spaghetti sold as La Pasta del Mar appear not to meet the expected definition of pasta. They do not clearly disclose whether semolina, durum, or wheat flour is used in their preparation, leaving room for consumer confusion about the product’s base ingredients.
Further instances were identified after samples were collected by the Balearic Consumption Authority in the Alcampo distribution region. Pescanova’s 65% surimi cod noodles contained only 37% cod and 8% hake, with water, starch, flavorings, salt, and egg white completing the formulation. Similarly, the hake spaghetti featuring cuttlefish ink did not specify the amount of cuttlefish ink used on the packaging, while the fish content was recorded at 40% fish protein and 17% hake.
In another product, the salmon noodles claimed 36% salmon with 22% added fish protein, but the exact composition of several ingredients again was not disclosed on the packaging. The marketing name and the product’s stated ingredient list were viewed as misleading to consumers, violating labeling standards and triggering a maximum-seriousness classification due to the company’s high market presence and turnover.
As a result, the sanction file notes that Pescanova has the right to challenge the case or accept the penalty. A 50% discount is available if the payment is made within 15 days. The decision was supported by the consumption authority’s leadership, and FACUA publicly welcomed the measure, recalling that the consumer group had previously lodged a complaint with the Ministry over the same issue, highlighting concerns that shoppers could be misled.
Observers note that this regional department continues to pursue a high level of disciplinary investigations, recently extending its actions to other notable cases, including campaigns by Ryanair and its VAT-free promotions. The ongoing enforcement posture underscores a broader commitment to ensuring product claims accurately reflect contents and comply with labeling regulations.