The Italian Food authorities issued a instruction by which it forbids the import and sales of tuna steaks treated with carbon monoxide or a patented process called “clear smokeâ€.
Tuan steaks imported in Italy on May 29th 2003 were still accepted to be sold, but any lots imported into the Italian market after that date, would be confiscated and destroyed. The Italian authorities also said that new imports of smoked tuna steaks would be refused.
Some European member states, such as the Netherlands, recently have accepted the import of clear smoked steaks and loins. However there are still several members states that consider treating tuna with clear smoke or carbon monoxide a fraudulent act. The thinking of these authorities is that the colour of the meat is manipulated, which can mislead the consumer on the freshness of the tuna. Smoking tuna steaks, gives it a nice, fresh looking light red colour, compared to the often darker reddish untreated steaks.