The label of a caviar can contains information that is vital to knowing the identity, provenance and traceability of the product.
In regulated trade in sturgeon caviar, the CITES system lays down a specific labelling using a code to identify key data.
What information should we seek?
Species: identifies the sturgeon from which the caves come. For example, HUS corresponds to the Fuso Huso, a species of caviar Beluga.
Origin: includes a distinction between aquaculture caviar and wild copies.
Country: it appears by means of a code that identifies the country of declared origin.
Year: The year associated with production and re-packaging, depending on the type of label, can be found.
Establishment and batch identification: provides additional information to track product traceability.
The labelling of original and repackaged products has peculiarities to be interpreted correctly.
In addition to the CITES code, the date of consumption, maintenance instructions and obligatory food information should be revised.
Learning to play a label is one of the most reliable ways to get to know what we're really buying.
A 30-second reading before buying
It starts with the species and checks that it matches the commercial description. He then checks his source, his country, his year, his establishment and his lot. Add net weight, ingredients, date and maintenance instructions. No need to memorize every code: simply demand them to be legible and ask for an explanation if something doesn't suit. An attractive image never substitutes for this information.
Is the country of packaging always the origin of caviar?
Not necessarily. The product may have been produced in one country and repackaged in another. The traceability system allows both steps to be distinguished.
The label indicates if caviar will suit?
No. The label attests to an identity and a path and the taste depends on the sensory profile and personal preferences. That's two different questions and they both matter.
The label also protects the experience
Read the package before serving prevents very concrete mistakes: confusing species, ignoring a date, breaking the cold chain or miscalculating quantity. Keep a legible photo of the label to finish the can, especially if offered at an event or restaurant. Thus, batch, weight and maintenance can be found without handling the package repeatedly. In a remote purchase, she rejects fact sheets that hide this information behind decorative images. Transparency does not require showing sensitive data from the supplier but does give the buyer what's necessary to understand what he gets, how to care for him and whom to resort if an incident arises.
