What criteria should determine which, if any, foods are required to have country of origin labelling?
The Master Fish Merchants’ Association of Australia (MFMA) is a not for profit organisation established in the 1930’s that represents businesses in the post harvest sector of the seafood industry. The Associations’ membership includes some 180 businesses in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, which operate as seafood retailers (both cooked and fresh) and wholesalers. The Association would like to provide the following input in regard to the section of the review that addresses issues related to consumer information, and in particular Part 3.12, Question 15 on country of origin labelling. Why imported seafood products should be labelled with country of origin Imported seafood products are of critical importance to seafood wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, cafes, clubs, pubs and takeaway outlets. This is reflected in the fact that they make up around 75% of all seafood consumed in Australia. Without imported seafood products the average consumer would find tha
