country_of_origin.html  

Food Standards Australia New Zealand,
PO Box 7186,
CANBERRA, BC ACT 2610

Dear Sir,

In our very strong view all imported seafood should be clearly labelled with the country of origin at the point of sale and in all point of sale and media advertising. This should include both packed and unpacked product and the requirement should become a mandatory national standard. This was a recommendation agreed at a Primary Industries Ministerial Council meeting in Adelaide on 19 May 2004 aimed at protecting local producers and wholesalers.

There are continuing instances where inferior imported seafood product is offered for sale and purchased by the public in the mistaken belief that it is local seafood caught on a sustainable basis. This is particularly so in Tasmania when locals and tourists alike seek to purchase our wonderful local product and inadvertently purchase seafood sourced from overseas which may be of a significant inferior quality.

Correct labelling provides consumers with accurate information on which to make an informed decision and ensures that local seafood producers are not cheated out of sales by dodgy operators. Whilst Tasmanian law under the Food Act 2003 already requires correct labelling of imported seafood products with the country of origin or the words imported prominently displayed at the point of sale the requirement is administered by local government officials who often have many other issues to manage.

Our State Department of Health and Human Services has continually supported national measures aimed at ensuring all imported seafood is correctly labelled and remains safe for human consumption. We also note the Australian Governments decision on 20 October 2004 to establish a toll free hotline for consumers to report retailers not properly labelling seafood.

We therefore urge FSANZ to grasp this opportunity to ensure all seafood product imported into Australia is labelled accordingly along with all associated advertising.

Yours faithfully,

BOB LISTER
Chief Executive
Tasmanian Fishing Industry Council
P O Box 878
SANDY BAY
Tas 7006
Ph 03 6224 2332
Fax 03 6224 2321
email boblister@tfic.com.au