Fish and chip shops across Australia will soon have to tell customers where their seafood comes from as part of a major change in food labelling.
Catering establishments, including restaurants and pubs, will be required to indicate the country of origin of their fish on their menus.
The new rule is expected to be introduced in 2024, with the government expected to help the fishing industry make the transition.
Fish and chip shops across Australia will soon have to tell their guests where their seafood comes from as part of a major change in food labeling
The new rules mean that companies must display one of three labels.
These are A, meaning the food comes from Australia, I to indicate it's imported from overseas, or M, meaning the food contains a mix of both.
President of the NSW Professional Fishers Association Gary Howard said the new labeling standards will help the Australian fishing industry.
“I don't think the community as a whole really understands seafood and its origins in Australia.” Mr. Howard told it Nine news.
“If we can get more support from the community to buy local seafood, that would be great.”
The new rule will be introduced in 2024, but they don't have to do anything yet and the government is expected to help the fishing industry make the transition.
The new labels won't stop Aussies from eating cheaper imported seafood, but Mr Howard said customers need to know more about fresh Australian produce.
“We have some of the most beautiful fish in the world and we have some of the most sustainable fisheries in the world, but we want the community to understand that…,” Mr Howard said.
According to the latest figures from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Australian seafood exports were worth $2.1 billion, while imported seafood was worth $1.4 billion.