CFIA Fish List

When fish is sold in Canada, the CFIA Fish List must be used. This gives you clarity and consistency when you shop for fish and seafood.

The fish list is an index of the common names that are acceptable in Canada (in English and French). It also lists the scientific names. You can browse the list or use a search function.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency chooses new common names for fish and seafood species based on a variety of guidelines. Whenever possible, new common names are harmonized:

• with the United States Food and Drug Administration (for English names); and
• with names assigned by Quebec's Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (for French names).

Fact sheets on fish and seafood safety give you information on topics such as the potential for food poisoning, and substances such as mercury and PCBs in fish.

You may also be interested in the following:

The role of the CFIA in keeping fish and seafood safe

The Regulation of Imported Fish and Seafood Products in Canada

Aquatic Animal Health Export Program

Mercury in Fish