Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFrozen
Industry PositionPrimary Seafood Product
Raw Material
Commodity GroupMarine pelagic fish (mackerel; family Scombridae)
Scientific NameRastrelliger kanagurta
PerishabilityHigh
Growing Conditions- Marine; pelagic-neritic (coastal pelagic).
- Tropical climate zone (FishBase).
- Reported depth range approximately 20–90 m (FishBase).
- Indo–West Pacific distribution including Red Sea/East Africa through Southeast Asia and into the western Pacific; also reported entering the eastern Mediterranean via the Suez Canal (FishBase).
Main VarietiesWhole round (WR), Headed and gutted (H&G), Fillets
Consumption Forms- Frozen (whole and value-added cuts).
- Fresh (local markets near landing).
- Canned.
- Dried-salted.
- Smoked.
- Fish sauce (regional processing use noted on FishBase).
Grading Factors- Size banding (count/kg, length).
- Evidence of thawing/refreezing, dehydration (freezer burn), and physical damage.
- Odour/appearance and overall decomposition indicators at receiving.
- Histamine (scombrotoxin) control expectations for histamine-forming fish.
Planting to HarvestNot applicable — primarily wild-caught capture fishery; supply depends on stock availability and fishing seasons/management measures.
Market
Frozen Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) is a widely consumed small pelagic fish from Indo–West Pacific coastal fisheries and is commonly traded as whole frozen product. FAO capture production statistics (as compiled in FishBase’s FAO catch lists) show substantial reported landings from South and Southeast Asian producers, linking global supply availability to these fishing regions. The frozen format supports longer-distance trade, but marketability depends on strict temperature control to protect quality and to manage histamine (scombrotoxin) risks associated with scombroid fish. Trade and procurement are also exposed to regulatory scrutiny related to IUU fishing and documented labor exploitation risks in parts of the global fisheries sector.
Major Producing Countries- 필리핀Reported as a major capture producer of Rastrelliger kanagurta in FAO capture production statistics (FishBase FAO catches list; shown for 2000–2011).
- 인도Reported as a major capture producer of Rastrelliger kanagurta in FAO capture production statistics (FishBase FAO catches list; shown for 2000–2011).
- 파키스탄Reported capture producer of Rastrelliger kanagurta in FAO capture production statistics (FishBase FAO catches list; shown for 2000–2011).
- 태국Reported capture producer of Rastrelliger kanagurta in FAO capture production statistics (FishBase FAO catches list; shown for 2000–2011).
- 인도네시아Reported capture producer of Rastrelliger kanagurta in FAO capture production statistics (FishBase FAO catches list; shown for 2000–2011).
Specification
Major VarietiesRastrelliger kanagurta (Indian mackerel)
Physical Attributes- Small pelagic (pelagic-neritic) mackerel species commonly sold whole; schools in coastal waters.
- Typical maximum reported length on FishBase summary pages is in the ~40 cm range (species-level biological reference; commercial size grades vary by fishery and buyer spec).
Compositional Metrics- Histamine (scombrotoxin) control is a key safety metric for Scombridae-family fish; once formed, histamine is not reliably removed by freezing or cooking.
- Buyer and regulator specifications commonly include evidence of proper time–temperature handling (e.g., harvest vessel records/receiving controls for histamine-forming fish).
Grades- Commercial specifications commonly grade by size band (count/kg or length), appearance/sensory condition, and absence of thaw/refreeze damage; some markets include histamine monitoring expectations for histamine-forming species.
Packaging- Protective glazing and/or wrapping is commonly used for frozen fish to reduce dehydration/freezer burn during storage and distribution (Codex Code of Practice guidance).
ProcessingRapid freezing is expected to pass the maximum ice-crystallization range quickly; Codex guidance describes quick-freezing as complete when the product thermal centre reaches −18°C or lower after stabilization.Frozen storage defects of concern include dehydration (freezer burn) and rancidity; glazing/wrapping and stable low temperatures are used to mitigate these.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Landing/auction or direct landing -> rapid chilling -> sorting and grading -> washing as needed -> freezing (block or plate/freezer systems) -> glazing/wrapping -> packing -> frozen storage -> reefer transport -> importer cold store -> wholesale/retail distribution
Demand Drivers- Affordable protein demand for whole frozen small pelagic fish in retail and foodservice.
- Demand for traditional cuisine uses where whole fish is preferred (including fresh/frozen, and also dried-salted/smoked/canned product pathways depending on market).
Temperature- Codex Code of Practice guidance indicates frozen fish and fishery products should be maintained at or below −18°C, including at retail reception and frozen storage.
Shelf Life- Frozen quality is sensitive to temperature fluctuation, dehydration (freezer burn), and rancidity; stable frozen storage temperatures and protective packaging/glazing are key controls.
Risks
Stock Sustainability HighSupply continuity can be disrupted by stock variability and/or overexploitation pressures typical of small pelagic fisheries, with additional exposure to IUU fishing that undermines management measures and can trigger market access restrictions.Diversify sourcing across multiple managed fisheries/landing regions; require catch documentation/traceability; monitor fishery management measures and IUU advisories from relevant authorities.
Food Safety HighAs a Scombridae-family fish, Indian mackerel is susceptible to histamine (scombrotoxin) formation if time–temperature control fails after capture; histamine is not reliably removed by washing, freezing, or cooking once formed.Implement HACCP-based controls focused on rapid chilling post-harvest, documented time–temperature management (including harvest vessel records where applicable), and risk-based histamine monitoring/testing.
Cold Chain Logistics MediumTemperature excursions in storage or transport can cause partial thawing, dehydration/freezer burn, and accelerated quality loss, reducing yield and increasing claims/rejections.Use validated reefer settings and continuous temperature monitoring; specify glazing/wrapping requirements; audit cold stores and enforce corrective actions for temperature deviation.
Regulatory Compliance MediumImport markets can impose strict requirements on species identity/labelling, safety controls for histamine-forming fish, and documentation related to IUU and labor risks; non-compliance can lead to detentions, rejections, or reputational damage.Align labelling to accepted market/scientific names; maintain complete lot-level documentation (species, origin, handling controls); conduct supplier due diligence for IUU and labor-risk indicators.
Sustainability- Stock sustainability and availability risk typical of small pelagic fisheries (high natural variability and sensitivity to fishing pressure).
- Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing risk can undermine fisheries management and market access, especially where monitoring/control capacity is limited.
- Energy and emissions exposure from fishing and refrigerated (reefer) logistics; fuel-price volatility can affect costs and supply economics.
Labor & Social- Forced labour and human trafficking risks have been documented in parts of the fisheries sector, particularly affecting migrant fishers on vessels; buyers face increasing due diligence expectations.
- Occupational safety risks for fishers (hazardous work at sea) and for handling workers (cold environments, sharp tools, repetitive tasks) are persistent compliance themes.
FAQ
What species is frozen Indian mackerel?Frozen Indian mackerel refers to the species Rastrelliger kanagurta. This identification is listed in FishBase and also in the U.S. FDA Seafood List entry for the species.
Why is histamine a key food-safety risk for Indian mackerel?Indian mackerel is in the Scombridae family, a group associated with scombrotoxin (histamine) formation when fish are mishandled (time–temperature abuse) after capture. FDA seafood HACCP guidance and a WHO/FAO expert report emphasize that once histamine forms, it is not reliably removed by freezing or cooking, so prevention depends on rapid chilling and strict temperature control.
What frozen storage temperature is typically expected in trade for frozen fish like Indian mackerel?Codex Code of Practice guidance for fish and fishery products indicates that frozen fish and fishery products should be maintained at or below −18°C, including during frozen storage and retail handling.
Which countries are reported as major capture producers of Rastrelliger kanagurta in FAO capture statistics?FAO capture production statistics compiled in FishBase’s FAO catch lists show substantial reported landings for countries including the Philippines and India, with additional large reported production from countries such as Pakistan, Thailand, and Indonesia (example country-by-year view shown for 2000–2011).