NSW seafood industry leads on food safety

Food safety was paramount at all seafood markets with the Iemma Government keeping a close eye on quality, Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said today.

Minister Macdonald praised the local seafood industry for its work in managing food safety.

"The NSW Food Authority constantly monitors places like the Sydney Fish Market and I can assure consumers there are no problems with food safety," he said.

"The Authority undertakes regular inspections and audits of wholesalers and processors at Sydney Fish Markets, one of the principal outlets for seafood in NSW, to ensure consumers have the safest product possible.

"The local seafood industry leads Australia in setting and following standards to keep seafood safe.

"For example, NSW was the first state in Australia to introduce specific seafood safety laws in 2001.

"The Food Production (Seafood Safety Scheme) Regulation is being used as a benchmark by other states as they develop their own seafood safety laws and is an important contribution to the development of a national seafood standard by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).

"Commercial fishers, oyster farmers, oyster openers and fishers’ cooperatives, seafood stores and processors and non-shellfish aquaculture in NSW now all operate food safety programs.

"As well, in April 2007, the Authority developed in consultation with industry a guideline to assist seafood retailers to meet the requirements of the Food Standards Code.

"The Guideline for Seafood Retailers addresses important food safety issues such as correct labelling of seafood, safe handling and processing and storage of live seafood."