Standard will create new era for seafood

2007-10-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

The Australian Fish Names Standard to be launched on Tues 30/10/2007 by Federal Minister for Fisheries, the Hon Senator Eric Abetz at the Grand Chancellor Hotel, Hobart will create a new era for seafood.
Once the information filters through all channels of industry and government and the consumers of seafood become more aware of the opportunity the standard will give them regarding making informed decisions about their purchases we will see increased sales and consumption. This will, in turn, assist Australians because there can be no doubts whatsoever that seafood is the brain food and can assist in the prevention of many chronic diseases.
For too long confusion has created indecision with people who wish to eat seafood and the industry and government now have the chance to support retailers/restaurants/caterers, etc who have been doing the 'right' thing when labeling their seafood and to stop businesses which are doing the wrong thing.
Telling the truth is easy and if the supply chain is started with the correct Australian Fish Name as approved through the Standard then the audit process to see where the deceptive or misleading conduct will be no problem. Secondary people in the chain just have to follow the process of ensuring what they were invoiced was what they received and then use that fish name in all their labeling procedures.
The Standard covers all seafood which is available in Australia and that includes Imported seafood. Exporters will need to abide by the rules laid down by AQIS Exports but the Australian Fish Name Standard only applies to product on the Australian market and does not apply to what other countries call their seafood.
Information is available through www.seafood.net.au/fishnames and www.fishnames.com.au and on the www.seafood.net.au website there are links to an e-Learning program which takes people through the processes
For publications and posters see www.fishybiz.com.au and press the Fish Posters advert
There is a Seafood Consumers Hotline 1800 737147 to report any issues where consumers believe they are being misled - this has been established by DAFF and is monitored by them.
There is still much to be done even though the Standard has been approved and the Fish Names Committee (FNC) will continue to drive these processes - the secretariat for the FNC is through Ms Sharon Kimmins email sharon.kimmins@seafoodservices.com.au
Now that we have a Standard I am looking for industry and governments (Federal, State/Territory) to work in a partnership to ensure that we get on top of any issues in this area and ensure that the consumer is not confused when wanting to purchase seafood.
I would to thank everyone who has had a had in getting this project to this level and look forward to continuing support