Despite what current legislation says, it is not right the identities of restaurants which sell fake cod should be protected by council bosses.

The Argus found three premises in West Sussex selling unwitting customers low-quality fish as an alternative to cod.

By doing so, the firms save money by purchasing the cheaper species of fish – despite their menus telling diners they’re ordering Britain’s classic favourite.

If the businesses were punished or warned by Trading Standards officers, why are they any different from people who appear in court charged with offences? As a public service, local authorities owe it to the public to reveal the identities of venues that deceive their customers in this way.

What would happen if a customer became ill after eating an unknown species of fish described as cod or had an allergic reaction? Would the firm’s identity still be withheld? Councils should do the right thing and publish the names of restaurants and takeaways who, whether knowingly or not, serve their customers ‘fake fish’ despite advertising the animal as cod.