The catering industry risks purchasing unsafe, poor quality or illegal seafood if they do not check it has come from a reputable supplier, government bodies have warned.

The British Hospitality Association (BHA) together with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and Food Standards Agency (FSA) are asking caterers to check whether the seafood they purchase can be traced to a legal source.

The groups are working to raise awareness of the laws around purchasing of fish and shellfish products and also the fact that fish caught from unlicensed, unregistered fishing vessels, shellfish harvested from unsafe areas and protected juvenile lobsters and crabs are thought to be being offered for sale direct to the industry.

Under the Registration of Buyers and Sellers (RBS) Scheme 2005, which is enforced in England by the MMO, it is a criminal offence to buy fish caught from a boat which is not licensed or registered for commercial fishing.

The scheme aims to help fisheries administrations to keep track of the amount of fish species being landed and sold. It also increases traceability of fish, in turn helping the catering industry to obtain the freshest produce.

Rod Henderson, head of coastal operations for the MMO, said: “Caterers should be conscious of the trade in illegal fish caught and sold from unlicensed and unregistered boats.

“Such supply chains can have a negative impact – both on the price and availability of a wider range of fish for customers. They can also affect fish stocks, a resource we want to protect for future generations.

“We are currently investigating instances of recreational sea anglers fishing for cod on boats off the Yorkshire coast which it’s been alleged they’ve been selling to care homes.

“We have also had reports of people catching skate and selling this direct to restaurants and cafes on the South East coast. Bass is another species which is also reported to us as being offered for sale illegally, particularly on the south coast.”

John Dyson, food and technical affairs advisor for the BHA said: “It is important that caterers are able to trace the provenance of all the seafood they use.

“If they have any doubts, they should ask about the source of supplies and report any suspicious activity to either the MMO or the FSA."