Member for The Entrance David Mehan has welcomed a decision that will see seafood country-of-origin labelling (COOL) become mandatory in hospitality venues.
On November 24, following stakeholder consultation, state consumer Ministers agreed to introduce seafood COOL in the hospitality industry Australia wide.
This means restaurants, takeaway shops, pubs, and clubs will be required to include seafood COOL information on menus using the simple AIM model (A for Australian; I for imported; and M for mixed).
Mehan has long supported seafood COOL and introduced a Private Member’s Bill on the issue to Parliament in 2017 which didn’t gain the support of the then government.
Mandatory COOL already exists in retail shops and this change will not affect already existing requirements in retail settings.
Seafood COOL in hospitality was a key recommendation of the 2017 Parliamentary Inquiry in the NSW Commercial Fishing Industry.
The new model will be introduced in 2025, allowing for a transition and education period.
“It’s ‘cool’ to see agreement finally reached for Australia-wide seafood country-of-origin labelling in pubs, clubs, restaurants and takeaway food shops,” Mehan said.
“This decision is important for both the seafood industry and those eating at hospitality venues who want to make an informed choice about the seafood they choose to eat.
“The fight for this reform by the fishing and seafood industry, which has been ongoing for more than 15 years, will be finally implemented.”