Endangered Sharks Found in U.S. Grocery Stores: Study Reveals Mislabeling and Health Risks

A new scientific study from researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) has uncovered a surprising and concerning problem in the U.S. seafood market: shark meat sold in grocery stores, fish markets, and online is often mislabeled and, in many cases, comes from endangered species. The findings raise red flags for both conservation and consumer health.

What the Study Looked At

The research team carried out an investigation between 2021 and 2022, purchasing 29 shark meat products across the United States. These included 19 raw fillets and steaks from local seafood outlets and grocery stores, as well as 10 shark jerky products bought online.

The scientists used DNA barcoding to identify the true species behind the generic labels. This genetic testing is considered highly reliable and is often used in food forensics when the external features of animals (like fins, heads, or skin) are removed, making species identification nearly impossible by eye.

Startling Findings

Vague and Misleading Labels

Out of the 29 shark products tested, 27 were simply labeled as “shark” or “mako shark” without specifying the actual species. That means 93% of the products gave no precise information to consumers. Even more troubling, of the two samples that did list a specific species, one turned out to be incorrectly labeled. Only one product was both labeled and identified correctly.

This lack of clarity strips away consumer choice. Without species-level information, customers cannot make informed decisions about what they are eating or avoid certain species due to health or conservation concerns.

Endangered Species for Sale

Through DNA analysis, the researchers found that the products came from 11 different shark species. Alarmingly, 31% of the samples were from species that are officially listed as endangered or critically endangered. Among them were:

• Great hammerhead shark (Critically Endangered)
• Scalloped hammerhead shark (Critically Endangered)
• Tope shark (Endangered)
• Shortfin mako shark (Endangered)

These are apex predators, vital to maintaining ocean ecosystems. Their decline is already a global concern, and finding them mislabeled and sold cheaply in the U.S. market adds a new layer of urgency to conservation efforts.

Cheap Prices for Rare Predators

Perhaps one of the most shocking aspects of the study is the price at which some of this meat was sold. Researchers found hammerhead shark meat available for as little as $2.99 per pound. That’s cheaper than many common fish fillets, despite the rarity and conservation status of these sharks.

At the other end of the spectrum, shark jerky products carried an average price of over $200 per kilogram, highlighting how processed shark products can fetch significant profits even when the source species are endangered.

Why Mislabeling Matters

The mislabeling and vague labeling of shark meat pose two major problems:

1. Consumer Health Risks
   • Many shark species, especially hammerheads and makos, are known to contain high levels of mercury and methylmercury, which can be harmful to humans.
   • Mercury exposure is especially dangerous for children and pregnant people, potentially affecting brain development and overall health.
   • Without clear labels, consumers may unknowingly eat species with toxic levels of heavy metals.
2. Conservation Concerns
   • Sharks are already under enormous pressure worldwide due to overfishing, bycatch, and the shark fin trade.
   • When endangered species enter the market under vague names like “shark,” it makes it almost impossible to monitor and regulate trade.
   • This loophole weakens international and domestic conservation efforts.

The researchers argue that the U.S. should require species-specific labeling of shark meat products to protect both consumers and marine ecosystems.

The Bigger Picture: Sharks in Global Decline

Why Sharks Matter

Sharks are often called the apex predators of the ocean. By preying on weaker and sick animals, they help maintain the health of marine populations. Their presence ensures balance in the food chain, which ultimately supports the stability of ocean ecosystems. Losing sharks can trigger what scientists call trophic cascades, where the absence of a top predator causes ripple effects down the entire food web.

Global Status of Shark Populations

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that over one-third of shark and ray species are threatened with extinction.
• Species such as the great hammerhead and scalloped hammerhead have seen population declines of over 80% in recent decades.
• The shortfin mako shark, once common, is now endangered due to heavy fishing pressure, both for meat and sport.

Trade and Mislabeling Beyond the U.S.

The U.S. is not alone in facing shark mislabeling issues. Other countries have long histories of vague labeling, often using local terms like “flake” (Australia), “cação” (Brazil), “rock salmon” (UK), or “dogfish” (various regions). These umbrella terms can hide a wide variety of species, including endangered ones.

Why Shark Meat Is Problematic for Health

Shark meat has been consumed in some cultures for centuries, but it comes with serious health risks:

• High Mercury Content: Sharks live long lives and sit at the top of the food chain. This means they accumulate mercury and other heavy metals at much higher levels than smaller fish.
• Bioaccumulation: Over time, mercury builds up in shark tissues and becomes concentrated in the meat that humans eat.
• Health Effects: Mercury poisoning can cause neurological problems, developmental delays in children, and complications during pregnancy.

Because of these risks, many health agencies strongly advise against regular consumption of shark meat.

The Economics of Shark Products

While raw shark meat is sometimes sold cheaply, processed shark products like shark jerky or even shark fin soup can be extremely expensive. This creates a market incentive for fishing endangered sharks, despite conservation concerns.

• Shark fins are the most notorious product, driving a multi-billion-dollar global trade, particularly in Asia.
• However, meat and jerky are increasingly popular in Western markets, often sold under vague names.
• The lack of labeling regulations allows this trade to flourish mostly unchecked.

What Needs to Change

The study’s authors and other experts believe that stricter labeling laws are the first step. Requiring sellers to list the exact shark species would:

• Give consumers the ability to make informed choices.
• Help regulators track endangered species in trade.
• Discourage the sale of high-mercury species for human consumption.

Beyond labeling, there is a need for better traceability systems, such as barcoding and supply-chain tracking, to ensure shark meat products can be traced back to their source. This would help prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing from entering the market.

Should You Eat Shark Meat?

Given the study’s findings, the safest choice for most consumers is to avoid shark meat products, especially if the label doesn’t clearly identify the species. The health risks of mercury, combined with the conservation concerns, make shark a poor choice compared to other widely available seafood.

If you do come across shark meat for sale:

• Check if the label lists the species.
• If the packaging simply says “shark,” consider it a red flag.
• Remember that cheaper prices often come with hidden costs to both your health and the ocean.

Final Thoughts

The UNC study shines a spotlight on a hidden issue in the U.S. seafood market. The fact that endangered sharks can appear in grocery stores under generic names is deeply concerning. It exposes gaps in labeling regulations and highlights the ongoing struggle to balance seafood trade with conservation and consumer safety.

As shark populations continue to decline worldwide, this research is a wake-up call for policymakers, seafood sellers, and consumers. Stronger rules, better transparency, and more responsible consumer choices will be essential to ensure that the ocean’s apex predators aren’t quietly disappearing into dinner plates under the label of “shark.”

Research Reference: Sale of critically endangered sharks in the United States – Frontiers in Marine Science