Minister for Industry and innovation, Minister for Science, Senator the Hon Tim Ayres
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The Hon Julie Collins MP
This week, the 12-month transition period started for the introduction of mandatory labelling for seafood products in hospitality venues, before the new rules come into effect on 1 July 2026.
Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said it gives businesses time to adjust, however they can start applying country-of-origin seafood labelling to menus now.
The new information standard has been made under the Australian Consumer Law, aiming to help customers better understand where their seafood comes from.
In November 2023, following extensive consultation with the public and industry, the federal, state and territory consumer affairs ministers agreed to the new labelling approach.
Under the changes, hospitality businesses must label the country of origin for all seafood in their ready-to-eat dishes using the Australian-Imported-Mixed (AIM) model.
• A (Australian)
• I (imported)
• M (of mixed origin containing both Australian and imported seafood)
The AIM model is a simple and practical approach that strikes the right balance between informing consumers, while minimising costs to businesses. New labels, clearer choices.
Hospitality businesses that must follow the rules include restaurants and cafes, all the way to food trucks and market stalls.
