Country of origin labelling for seafood in hospitality settings: information standard and explanatory statement

Submission to the Review of Country of Origin Seafood Labelling in Australian Hospitality Settings

Clear and truthful labelling of seafood by country of origin in hospitality settings is long overdue. Consumers expect transparency when purchasing seafood, whether at retail or when dining out. The same rules should apply across all food settings.

Key points:

Mandatory country of origin seafood labelling in hospitality venues must be implemented as soon as possible.This is a practical and fair step that gives consumers the same transparency already expected in supermarkets.

It is essential that this initiative be backed by proper enforcement. Venues must be supported to comply, and there must be appropriate resourcing to monitor, audit, and address non-compliance.

Correct naming of seafood is vital to the success of this labelling initiative.

The Australian Fish Names Standard (AFNS) and Australian Aquatic Plant Names Standard (AAPNS) provide the agreed common names for seafood sold in Australia.

These naming references must be required for use alongside country of origin information to avoid confusion and ensure accuracy for consumers and the industry alike.

Mandating the use of the AFNS and AAPNS is necessary to prevent misrepresentation and to ensure that consumers are not misled by unfamiliar or inconsistent names.

Linking clear naming with origin labelling creates a strong and trustworthy seafood system that supports Australian producers and empowers consumers to make informed, confident choices.

Australia produces high-quality, sustainable seafood. Properly labelling where it comes from—and what it’s called—should be a national priority.