Seafood-loving Queenslanders and the State’s seafood industry are the winners with the new food safety scheme for seafood being introduced into Queensland law. The scheme implements the National Standard for Primary Production and Processing of Seafood.

Safe Food Production Queensland (SFPQ) has engaged in extensive consultation with all sectors of the industry, including a number of key industry bodies. Amongst others, SFPQ has been working with the Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) and the Queensland Seafood Marketers Association (QSMA) for a number of years to implement the new food safety scheme.

QSIA Chief Executive Officer Winston Harris welcomes the scheme. Mr Harris said the seafood scheme in Queensland was developed with support from industry.

 “Our industry is world class in the product it harvests. Queensland seafood continues to be recognised as a premium clean and safe product and we need to capitalise on this reputation.”

“We have been working on this scheme with SFPQ for a number of years now. We are delighted to see it is finally being implemented. Our members are proud of the seafood they produce and look forward to working with SFPQ in ensuring the continued safety and quality of seafood product.”

QSMA Secretary Martin Perkins agrees. “We fully support the work of SFPQ in the introduction of the Seafood Scheme. A system that is commensurate with the risk of a processing operation and covers the necessary steps in the seafood chain is what the industry needs”.

 “Queensland produces some of the best seafood in the world. It is a big part of the Queensland lifestyle and Queensland experience”. 

“Seafood consumers have told us time and time again that they want to buy Queensland seafood that is safe and of high quality. The introduction of this scheme will help enhance this reputation”.

Safe Food Queensland’s General Manager, Mr Phil Pond said “We are committed to ensuring that the industry have time to prepare for the effects of the Scheme and look forward to working with individual businesses to ensure they are ready”.

In order to encourage seafood production and processing businesses to adopt the new food safety arrangements, the Queensland Government has also agreed that no fees will be payable for the first six months of the scheme.

SFPQ is encouraging all seafood businesses to lodge their application before the 1 January 2010 deadline to ensure they receive their accreditation at no charge.

SFPQ will be contacting members of the Queensland seafood industry to ensure a smooth transition to the new food safety scheme.

Contact SFPQ on 1800 300 815 or visit the web site www.safefood.qld.gov.au for more information.

2 July 2009