Overview

• A University of North Carolina team DNA-barcoded 29 shark products bought in 2021–2022 from grocery stores, seafood markets and online vendors in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, Florida and Georgia.
• Nearly one-third of the samples came from endangered or critically endangered species, including great and scalloped hammerheads, shortfin mako and tope.
• Labeling was opaque in most cases, with 93% sold simply as “shark,” and only one of two species-labeled items correctly identified.
• Authors warn that some detected species carry high levels of mercury, methylmercury and arsenic that pose health risks, particularly for children and pregnant people.
• The study cites weak traceability and limited enforcement once meat is processed and calls for mandatory species-level labeling to protect consumers and shark populations.