Aussies will soon know exactly where their seafood came from while dining out, after the government passed a major change to food labelling rules.

Under the new rules, country of origin labelling will be made mandatory for seafood at hospitality venues for the first time.

The labelling model has been in place for most products in retail stores since 2018, but there has been no national consistency when it came to seafood in restaurants and cafes.

Restaurants and takeaways, including your local fish and chip shop, will need to tell customers where their fish or seafood was caught. A labelling system will be introduced for use on menus, with “A” standing for Australian, “I” for imported and “M” for mixed origin.

The decision comes after the government announced last year that $1.6 million would be allocated to expand Australia’s country of origin labelling rules to help consumers make more informed choices.

At a meeting between state and federal consumer affairs ministers on Friday, ministers voted unanimously to implement the new rules.

The exact date of enforcement hasn’t been confirmed, but it’s understood that businesses will have a transition period to help them adjust and more details will be announced next year.

Related story: Country of Origin labelling proposed for seafood in restaurants

Seafood Industry Australia CEO Veronica Papacosta said the industry was “absolutely elated” by the decision. “It has been 15 years of campaigning,” she said.

“Consumers should have the right to make informed choices about the food they purchase and consume.”

“With 62 per cent of seafood consumed in Australia being imported, it is imperative that consumers dining out have access to clear and accurate information about the origin of the seafood they are served.”

This story originally appeared on news.com.au. It has been reproduced here with permission. 

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