Many expert product reviews are biased and non-blind. They are often influenced by close relationships between producers and reviewers that consumers do not know about. Because of the small sample size and lack of data, biases in reviews are often not well known. This column is based on data from a long-running expert product reviews in the food-service sector. It found that there was a fishy business significant bias in ratings due to conflicts of interest for reviewers. This raises questions about the value of expert product reviews, which aren’t bound by very strict rules.

Van Putten 2020 reports that car reviewers are often flown to distant destinations to “get in a new model”, eat three-star meals, and sleep five stars. This is paid for by the manufacturer. (Tesla is an exception, see Hogan 2020). Movie critics enjoy free meals and accommodation in hotels in tropical locations like Hawaii. 2006.

South Asia’s Super Food, or Just a Fishy Business?

Quinoa, Kale, Kefir and Orange Sweet Potato are now part of the family dinner table tradition that includes Salmon, Blueberries, and Orange Sweet Potato.

These “Superfoods”, often considered superior for their nutritional and health benefits, are becoming increasingly popular among celebrity chefs. They have been a big hit with foodies everywhere from San Francisco to Singapore.

Our world is full of paradoxes, and old-world food that was once a staple of Andean civilization for three thousand years has been reintroduced with the Spanish.

Salmon is a staple of Nordic diets since paleolithic time and has been woven into the culture and lives of many superfoods.

IIED is a fishy business

IIED’s Sustainable Markets Group was excited to launch two publications and an internet network at the end of November. All focused on sustainable fishing. Grace Philip reports.

The action started early on 27th November when a study was published about a revolutionary scheme to increase stocks of fish that can feed millions in Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar.

This research explains how Bangladesh’s government has created a compensation system for fishing communities who help to protect the endangered hilsa fish. Five ways can be improved upon the scheme are suggested by the study. It is also noted that if it succeeds in Bangladesh, it will set a precedent for direct payments to promote sustainable fishing elsewhere.

It’s a Dangerous Business!

Helsinki, Finland. – Fish is more than food. Proper use of fish parts can benefit both the traditional and circular economies. It’s not yet possible to harness the full potential of fish-based products with added value. Luke’s researchers offer their views on how fish parts left unused could be used.

Skin

Collagen is a protein found in fish skin that can be used to improve skin strength and elasticity. Collagen can be made into gelatine, which is used in foodstuffs like gummy bears as a gelling ingredient.

For leather products such as handbags and shoes, you can also cure and tan fish skin. The skin can be given new life by this process. The phenomenon, as innovative as it sounds is still very young.

Pirjo Mattila (Principal Scientist at Luke) says that “the utilisation of fish skin is still somewhat amateurish.”