Mandatory country of origin labelling may soon be required for restaurants serving seafood
Restaurants that sell seafood may soon be required to tell customers the country of origin of the seafood they are consuming, as the federal government works on how to implement mandatory country of origin labelling within the industry.
This is something the seafood industry, including the WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC), has been lobbying government for years to do to boost demand for Australian seafood.
Darryl Hockey, chief executive at WAFIC said he has received a letter from federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt showing the ministers support of the introduction of country-of-origin labelling in the hospitality industry.
"He is going to be working with us to explore various options to introduce this country of origin [labelling] this term of government," Mr Hockey said.
"He also said that he wants to work closely with the hospitality sector as well in a bid to make sure that it is harmonised."
Mr Hockey said the same transparency that exists in retail should apply to seafood served in hospitality.
"It has got to the point in Western Australia that 70 per cent of the seafood consumed in the state is imported and only 30 per cent of it is local," he said.
In a statement to the ABC, Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic said, "the department is working on the best way to take this commitment forward, which will include engaging with stakeholders. The government is considering all of its election commitments in the budget to be handed down on October 25."
According to Mr Husic, country of origin labelling had a "complex history" and he wanted to make sure "we take the time needed to get it right".
"The aim is to develop a workable approach, while minimising costs and burden of compliance."
Irit Jackson, 7th September 2022
