Country-of-origin labelling urged to end fishy business

DINERS are being encouraged to check the origin — and identity — of their fish and chips.

Jimmy Elias and Son - Fresh SA Flake fillets

DINERS are being encouraged to check the origin — and identity — of their fish and chips.

Flake should be gummy shark but was often school or other shark, seafood experts said.

And some fish sold as flathead was actually another species from Argentina.

Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council chief executive Neil Stump is among those calling for labelling of fish species and country of origin, in takeaways and restaurants as well as fresh fish shops.

“Nationally we’re pushing for country-of-origin labelling down to the food service level,” Mr Stump said.

“Definitely, you should ask: ‘What am I buying?’

“If people choose to eat imported product, and a lot has nothing wrong with it, they should be making a conscious decision.”

Ann-Marie Johnson, owner of Mako Fresh Fish, of North Hobart, said restaurants should have the same rules as fishmongers.

“It’s about protecting our fisheries. If you’re buying Argentinian flathead and paying a high price you’re getting ripped off,” she said.

Last month Greenpeace said DNA analysis in Melbourne showed only one sample of nine was gummy shark as labelled, and one-third of “flake” samples were actually other species.

A Senate inquiry last year recommended country of origin labelling apply to the food service sector.