Azerbaijan.US
Claims that “fake” shrimp are being sold in markets and shops across Azerbaijan have sparked public concern after a video circulated widely on social media.
In the footage, a consumer alleges that shrimp purchased for 60 manats for two kilograms appeared suspicious after being defrosted and may have been made from non-seafood materials, including paper and flavoring additives. The video quickly triggered debate over food quality, imports, and consumer protection.
Vendors at local markets reject the allegations, saying shrimp sold in Azerbaijan are imported from countries such as China, Norway, India, and Spain, as well as supplied by local distributors. According to sellers, shrimp currently retail for around 25 manats per kilogram at open markets, while packaged imported products sell for about 22 manats per kilogram.
Commenting on the issue, the head of the Independent Consumers Union said that counterfeit shrimp are not being imported into Azerbaijan. He noted that while artificial shrimp products do exist globally, they are not present on the Azerbaijani market. Even where such products are legally produced elsewhere, he added, they must comply with technical standards and clearly state on the label that they are artificial.
Following the viral video, Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan launched an investigation. The agency reported that the imported shrimp in question were accompanied by valid sanitary and health documentation.
An unscheduled inspection was carried out at the food outlet shown in the video. Inspectors identified 28 kilograms of frozen shrimp matching the product seen in the footage and took samples for laboratory testing.
In addition, the inspection uncovered 30 kilograms of locally sourced shrimp being sold without the required permits and without proper labeling or markings in line with legal requirements. This batch was removed from sale, and an administrative protocol was drawn up against the store’s management.
The Food Safety Agency stated that laboratory test results are pending and will be announced once the analysis is complete.
