FAQ

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Storage and Freshness

Is "fresh" seafood better than "frozen"?

The essence of this question is really “which is better in quality.” In the seafood industry, the term "fresh" means that fish has never been frozen. Though fresh seafood caught in pristine waters and consumed within a few hours is very high in quality, the reality is most "fresh" seafood usually takes between 9-12 hours and in some cases, several days, before it reaches your plate. In contrast, our seafood is flash frozen minutes after they are caught. This technically advanced process locks in the freshness of the fish, maximizing flavor and overall quality until you’re ready to prepare it.

How long can your products stay in the freezer before going bad?

Seafood can last for up to a year in the freezer as long as it’s kept frozen the entire time.

If product is thawed out can it be re-frozen?

No, once the product has been thawed it should be consumed within 24 hours.

How long past the “best by date” is product still good to consume?

The best by date is an indicator of the freshness of the fish, and fish may be consumed past this date. First, check the condition of the fish, look for freezer burn and excessive dryness. If the fish appears to be in good condition and has been continuously frozen, not thawed and refrozen, then it is safe to eat. When fish has been in the freezer for a long time, the flavor begins to deteriorate and the texture of the fish tends to become “rubbery”.

Cooking

Can I cook your product in the microwave?

Yes, the following cooking instructions are general in nature. Place frozen product in a microwave-safe dish. Add your favorite seasonings. Cook on high* for 1-2 minutes. Turn over halfway through cooking time. *heat and cooking time may vary based on brand of microwave, please refer to owner's manual.

Specific Fish Facts

Is it normal to have variations in the color of frozen fillets?

Yes, this is quite normal. Sometimes a frozen fillet will vary in its shade of color, which occurs naturally in the fish. Once the fillets have been cooked, generally, the fillet will become uniform in color.

Why is there a variation in flesh color in some of the Tilapia fillets? Are they harmful to eat?

There is a variation in the color of the tilapia fillets when they are frozen and the color differences can change over time. The fillets can become light yellow or green in color, but this is consistent with the way the fish naturally reacts to the freezing process. Although it may be aesthically displeasing, there is nothing inherently unsafe with the product due to the color variance. A simple "smell test" will determine if the product is safe for consumption* - if there is a strong "fishy" or ammonia smell do not eat the product. If they pass the smell test, all is fine!

*We recommend that you test all seafood in this manner

How do I know if the fish is “good” or “bad?”

If you have a concern about the quality of the fish, check the smell of the thawed and cooked fillet. Avoid fish with a strong ammonia or “fishy” smell, as this reflects deteriorating quality of the fish..

Why does Tilapia sometimes taste different than other kinds of fish?

Some people use terms like “earthy” or “muddy” to describe Tilapia’s flavor. Tilapia can occasionally taste a bit more earthy than other fish due to naturally-occurring algae in the water and soil. Farm raised tilapia are fed a high-protein diet, but may also eat the algae in the water.

What do farmed Tilapia eat?

Our tilapia are fed a high-protein, vitamin, mineral, and vegetable rich pellet diet free of GMOs.

What are GMOs?

A Genetically Modified Organism, or GMO, is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These techniques combine DNA from different sources into one molecule used to create a new set of genes.

Is your Ahi Tuna sushi grade?

While we make every effort to provide you with the freshest seafood available, we recommend that you sear the tuna (approximately 2-3 minutes per side) before eating it.

What is “Clearsmoke®” (found on the Ahi Tuna packaging)?

We use a process called Clearsmoke® to ensure that we lock in the freshness of our catch. It’s a patented wood smoking process in which hickory wood chips are burned and the smoke is harnessed and then filtered so that nothing is left but clear smoke. This method maintains, but does not alter, the natural color and taste of the fish without the use of additives, chemicals, or preservatives.

Where are the enzymes in your Parmesan Encrusted Tilapia breading derived from?

The enzymes present in our Parmesan Encrusted Tilapia breading are derivatives from microbial sources (Aspergillus oryzae), not from animals.

Do your products contain modified food starch, yeast, dairy etc.?

The ingredients in our breaded products are listed on our packaging. We also state all allergens. Please read the ingredients carefully, especially those who have food allergies or follow strict dietary guidelines. Our natural fish fillets do not contain any additives or preservatives.

Safety and Nutritional Information

How safe is your imported seafood?

Our reputation and our success rest on the wholesomeness and safety of our products. As a result, safety is critically important to us. All of our suppliers and vendors are required to be HACCP-certified, ensuring they follow stringent food handling and safety procedures. In addition, to ensure our high standards are met at all levels; representatives of our company personally visit and audit all of our suppliers and vendors. We also incorporate an intensive tracking system that monitors the product from its source all the way to your grocer’s freezer.

What is the mercury content of Tilapia? Tuna?

A 4oz serving of tilapia contains only 2 micrograms (mcg) of mercury. Tuna, on the other hand, has a slightly higher amount of mercury, 30-60 mcg per 4oz serving. For more information on mercury content in fish check out: www.gotmercury.org.

I’m pregnant. Is it okay to still eat fish?

Yes! According to the 2010 FDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, it is recommended that pregnant or nursing women should consume at least 8 and up to 12 ounces of a variety of seafood, including tuna, per week due to the nutritional benefits of seafood to the developing baby. Larger fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, which do contain higher levels of mercury should be avoided.

Do you use MSG in your products?

No, there is no MSG used in any our breaded and battered products.

Sustainability and Certification

Are your products from Sustainable sources?

The seafood industry is a global industry, and Odyssey is a specialist in sourcing our wide variety of products from suppliers that share our commitment to protect the fisheries community for future generations. For more information, please see our Sustainability page.

What are the certification labels on your packaging?

These labels (MSC, ASMI, , BAP, etc.) are placed on our packaging to inform the public of our adherence to the rules and policies required by these various governing bodies, when it comes to sustainable manufacturing practices. For more information on each of these organizations, please see our page on Sustainability.

Are your products Kosher?

Yes, some of our products are Kosher and we are working to get more of our products certified. Look for the Kosher label on the back of the retail bag, not on the product display. The product is only Kosher if it has a Kosher label on the bag.

Packaging

Why does packaging sometimes say “Product of China”?

Our seafood is harvested in many parts of the world, but often the fishing vessels don’t have the equipment or the expertise to cut fish into a finished, ready-to-eat fillet. Therefore, we ship whole, frozen fish to our partners in China to utilize the specified and efficient plants to fillet, portion, and package the fish. Because of this transformation from whole fish to fish fillet, the FDA requires that we label the fish “Product of China”.

Is your packaging BPA free?

Yes, all of our retail packaging--including vacuumed packed fillets—is BPA free.

Finding Treasures from the Sea

Where can I purchase your products?

You may find our "Treasures from the Sea" label at your local Sam's Club, Wal-Mart Super Center and select Super Target Stores along with some select local grocers, depending on where you live. Happy Fishing!

Can I order online?

At this time, we do not offer online shopping from our website. However, if you are a Sam's Club member or Wal-mart shopper you can take advantage of their online ordering.