Fishy Origins To Be Revealed - 19/08/2005

Australian Barramundi Farmers Association President Craig Foster has welcomed the release today of the proposal by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand to make country of original labelling compulsory for seafood.

“This is an important win for consumers. This means that customers should get what they want from where they want” Mr Foster said.

“Our industry has found significant quantities of imported seafood being sold as Barramundi with consumers being left with the assumption that it is therefore Australian”, he said.

“Customers have a strong preference for Australian product and they recognise that standards vary from country to country. They have a right to know where it comes from” he said.

Mr Foster said that an additional benefit will be the stimulus to Australian industry.

“Customers will purchase Australian Barramundi if they have a clearly labelled choice. That is what they want, and this proposal will deliver what the consumer needs for an informed choice” he said.

“The Government must implement this as a matter of urgency”, Mr Foster said.

For further information: Craig Foster 0419322584