Reeling in a clearer choice for South Australians

South Australians will soon have a better idea of what’s on the menu, with hospitality venues required to label the country of origin of seafood dishes from the start of next month.

From 1 July, hospitality venues will need to label any seafood dishes as containing seafood of Australian, imported or mixed origin.

This can be done with a simple ‘A’ for Australian, ‘I’ for imported or ‘M’ for mixed on the menu.

The new labelling system was developed after extensive consultation by the Federal Government with the seafood industry, hospitality sector and other key stakeholders, and applies to all restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs, takeaways and fast-food venues, food trucks, market stalls selling ready-to-eat food, hotels and motels serving food (including room service), casinos and amusement parks.

While country of original labelling is mandatory for fish sold in supermarkets or other retail settings, until now there has been no such requirement for fish served in restaurants or cafes.

The move was strongly supported by the Malinauskas Labor Government with South Australia voting in favour of the change to Australian Consumer Law at the Consumer Affairs Ministers meeting in 2023 and was backed by our local seafood industry.

To be labelled Australian (A), the seafood needs to be harvested from Australian seas (including within our exclusive economic zone) or internal waters.

The Malinauskas Government believes this is an important step in supporting Australian fishers and ensuring transparency for consumers purchasing seafood in a restaurant without being onerous for small businesses.

For more information on the changes, see Seafood labelling in hospitality businesses.