Consumer advocates concerned over salmon labeling

Ten days after China's fish association introduced new standards that allow rainbow trout to be labeled as salmon - sparking nationwide criticism - the Shanghai Consumer Council held an open debate on Tuesday in which industry leaders and businesses were urged to respect consumers' right to know "about the products they consume".

Lawyers and aquaculture academics joined the two-hour debate with representatives from the China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Alliance, the main body that drafted and issued the new guidelines.

"The intent of this debate is not to rewrite or revise the new guidelines, as we don't have that role. But as a spokesman for consumers, we believe an open platform, including different viewpoints and interests for discussion, is the first step in bringing changes," said Tang Jiansheng, secretary-general of the council. "From the heated discussion we are confident that improvements will emerge."