FDA Weighs ‘Snapper’ as Market Name for Certain Rockfish Species

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a Request for Information on a potential update to the acceptable market name for eighteen species of Sebastes, commonly known as rockfish.

Currently, the acceptable market name for the genus Sebastes is “rockfish.” However, the FDA has received inquiries from industry stakeholders requesting that the name be changed to “snapper.”

In November 2025, Public Law 119-37 was enacted, directing the FDA to engage with stakeholders regarding a potential name change for specific Sebastes species. The FDA maintains The Seafood List, a guide for the food industry on acceptable market names for seafood sold in interstate commerce, to ensure that labeling is accurate.

The FDA has identified several issues for consideration before changes are made to the acceptable market name for rockfish. These include issues related to scientific classification, food safety and hazard identification, and labeling and allergens concerns.  

The agency is seeking comprehensive information from all interested parties, including industry members, consumer groups and state regulatory agencies. Through the RFI, the agency is posing a series of questions to gather data on the potential impacts of a name change. This information will help the agency make an informed decision that upholds public health, adheres to statutory authority and preserves transparency for consumers while considering industry interests, said FDA.

For a full list of the questions and species in question, and to provide comment, visit Regulations.gov Docket No. FDA-2026-C-3071.

Submit written/paper submissions to:   

Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305)   
Food and Drug Administration   
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm 1061   
Rockville, MD 20852   

All submissions received must include the Docket No. FDA-2026-C-3071.