Fish lovers are being warned that buying from unscrupulous door to door salesmen could damage their health.

Oxfordshire's trading standards department issued the warning about unidentified sellers following complaints in the county.

They recently checked one seller operating out of an unmarked van in Abingdon Road, Oxford. They found fish being sold completely unlabelled.

Customers were offered a selection of different varieties of fish, described verbally by the salesman. The fish was also said to be "fresh" and "suitable for freezing". But trading standards officers found evidence that the fish supplied was not the variety being offered and may have been previously frozen.

People can be conned into buying cheap varieties of fish in the belief they are actually getting more expensive ones, while refreezing fish that has been previously frozen and allowed to thaw can pose a risk to health.

David Sibbert, chief trading standards officer, today advised people to be very wary if they receive an unexpected call from a trader offering fish for sale. He said: "Look for any identification and be on your guard if a vehicle is unmarked. Ask for a business card and a price list giving an address and phone number. Reputable traders will want you to know who they are so you can re-order in future."

The law requires pre-packed fish to be labelled with the variety of fish, the weight, price per kilogram and selling price. Additives should also be labelled.

Fish that has been frozen must be labelled "Previously frozen - do not refreeze".

For more details call trading standards on 01865 815000.

Story date: Saturday 10 April

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