Black market abalone - don't risk it

Illegal fishing and sale of abalone is the target of a joint government agency compliance operation called Operation Maxima.

NSW Food Authority inspectors are joining officers from NSW Police and the NSW Department of Primary Industries looking at all aspects of abalone fishing, from recreational fishing to commercial fishing and the post harvest sale of wild and cultured abalone.

Food safety is the focus for the Food Authority, as black market abalone could pose a health risk to consumers.

NSW Food Authority Director of Compliance and Enforcement, Peter Day, warns against buying abalone from unknown suppliers or roadside sellers. "Abalone sold ‘under the table’ may not have been handled properly and could make you sick".

If abalone is packaged, transported or stored incorrectly the risk of food poisoning is high. So don’t risk it. Only buy abalone from licensed seafood retailers.

For more information go to the DPI media release. 

Source: NSW Food Authority, 2 July 2012