‘MP’s fight for mandatory seafood labelling’

Published in the Whitsunday News, November 9, 2022

Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday, meets with local commercial fishermen to discuss industry matters.

By Amy Roulston

MEMBER for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP is supporting mandatory labelling of seafood at dining outlets across Australia.

Ms Camm said mandatory country-of-origin labelling would not only boost consumer awareness but would bolster a seafood industry besieged by Queensland Labor-imposed regulations.

“It’s a case of sink or swim for commercial fishing businesses and it looks like Labor wants to drown the Queensland seafood industry,” Ms Camm said.

“First, Queensland Labor ignored industry concerns and avoided proper consultation prior to imposing catch limits on the Spanish mackerel fishing industry this year.

“Now, Labor has voted against a seafood labelling bill that is a clear win-win for consumers, commercial fishers and seafood retailers.”

Ms Camm spoke in support of the Food (Labelling of Seafood) Amendment Bill, in the Queensland Parliament, recently.

Under the proposed policy, cafes, restaurants and other dining outlets would be required to disclose to consumers the origin of any seafood they serve.

Since 2018, it has been mandatory for food retailers to affix country-of-origin information to seafood products, but businesses preparing food for immediate public consumption, such as dining outlets, are exempt.

“Consumers love and trust Australian seafood and they want to support local farmers and Australian-grown food,” Ms Camm said.

“Many people incorrectly assume they’re eating Australian seafood at restaurants when much of our domestic supply is imported.”

What do you think? Should dining outlets label their seafood with country-of-origin?

View the story here: https://whitsundaynews.net.au/mps-fight-for-mandatory-seafood-labelling/