Fish labelling
(Last updated October 2011)
The Food Standards Code does not define names for fish.
The seafood industry has worked with Standards Australia to develop an Australian Fish Names Standard which provides guidance on standard fish names to be used in Australia.
You can purchase electronic or hard copies of the standard (AS –SSA 5300) from the Seafood Services Australia website.
Common Maori and scientific names for fish species used in New Zealand are available from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry website.
Most of the time fish sold to consumers is identified correctly on the label. However, mislabelling has been known to occur intentionally or accidentally. Fish may be incorrectly identified at capture or wholesale and the mistake carries on through the supply chain to consumers.
What can you do to ensure you get what you pay for?
To ensure you’re getting what you paid for, find a reputable fishmonger/restaurant. If you’re concerned fish may be mislabelled, ask for someone experienced to confirm it.
If you have information or evidence of fish mislabelling, contact your supplier first. If you are dissatisfied with the explanation or response, contact the relevant enforcement agencies:
- in Australia - the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission at www.accc.gov.au or telephone 1300 302 502 (free call for Australian callers)
- in New Zealand: the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at www.maf.govt.nz , or 0800 00 83 33 (free call for New Zealand callers).