Nation catches on to NT’s seafood labelling

THE Territory is leading the way when it comes to seafood labelling, with the rest of the country looking set to mirror the NT’s laws.

Darwin Fish Market co-owner Carmel Ball is embarrassed she will not be able to offer fresh wild caught Barramundi under the new commercial fishing bans

THE Territory is leading the way when it comes to seafood labelling, with the rest of the country looking set to mirror the NT’s laws.

“A simple recommendation has been made by the Senate committee and that is to remove the current exemption that leaves consumers in the dark about what country the seafood is from when they are dining out,” NT Seafood Council chairman Rob Fish said.

“The Senate committee has listened to the consumers, to industry and to the dining sector in the NT and, as a result, has made a strong recommendation that all venues throughout the country must state the country of origin of seafood.”

He said the NT introduced seafood labelling to the dining sector – a first for Australia – in 2008.

“To have this labelling rolled out across the country will be the most important step for the seafood industry in Australia in over 20 years,” he said. “It allows the right ­choices to be made about sustainability, allows the Australian industry to compete and grow and, most importantly, it allows the consumer to have confidence in buying their ­seafood.”

Mr Fish said Territorians should be proud of leading the way.

“Their support has ensured all Australians will be better informed about their seafood,” he said. “Acting on the recommendations of this report will ensure every Australian can be confident in the origin of their seafood.”

The report recommends the exemption regarding country of origin labelling under Standard 1.2.11 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code for cooked or pre-prepared seafood sold by the food services sector be removed, subject to a transition period of no more than 12 months.