Is Imported Fish Safe?
International trade regulations mean food products destined for the import/export trade are subject to much more rigorous standards than products traded in local markets – even in Australia. For instance, the standard of export food processing in Asia is similar too (and in some cases exceeds) the standard of export food processing in Australia and, in general, is much higher than the standard of domestic food processing in Australia. Food processing and packaging factories exporting seafood to Australia must operate to independently audited, international standards of hygiene and quality control. They must also be approved beforehand by Australian authorities. Before being released in Australia, imported seafood (and other food) is also subject to testing by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). Australia’s main supplier of fish is New Zealand which operates under the same food standards authority as Australia, (FSANZ – Food Standards Australia New Zealand) although
International trade regulations mean food products destined for the import/export trade are subject to much more rigorous standards than products traded in local markets – even in Australia. For instance, the standard of export food processing in Asia is similar too (and in some cases exceeds) the standard of export food processing in Australia and, in general, is much higher than the standard of domestic food processing in Australia. Food processing and packaging factories exporting seafood to Australia must operate to independently audited, international standards of hygiene and quality control. Before being released in Australia, imported seafood (and other food) is also subject to testing by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). Australia’s main supplier of fish is New Zealand which operates under the same food standards authority as Australia, (FSANZ – Food Standards Australia New Zealand) although imports from there are still subject to AQIS inspections and tes
