Louise Gray, The Telegraph 10 Oct 08;
Tesco is to review the sale of shark fin products in its stores following claims by environmentalists that demand for the product is in danger of wiping out endangered species.
More than half of the world's sharks are under threat of extinction but demand for the delicacy shark fin soup means millions are killed every year.
According to conservationists, the fins are cut from living sharks that are left to die in the water.
However Tesco, the world's third largest retail group, is selling shark fin products in its stores in Thailand where it is considered to have medicinal properties.
Ali Hood, Shark Trust director of conservation, said a multinational group that prides itself on its environmental record should withdraw the product.
She said: "Sharks now rank amongst the most endangered species on the planet and the demand for shark fins is the root cause of the alarming decline in shark populations.
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"The Trust has asked Tesco to follow the example of Disney who withdrew Shark fin soup from the menu of their Hong Kong theme park."
In response Tesco said they could review selling the product in an effort to ensure all the shark fins are caught in a sustainable way.
A spokesman said: "Our Thai customers expect to be able to purchase Sharks Fin from us.
"It is a traditional food in Thailand that is sold widely and as a local business we have to respect that.
"However, we do want to do this in a sustainable way, so we will review our supplies and take expert advice on how best we can achieve this".
