Confusion over fish names is undermining confidence in the seafood industry, according Seafood Services Australia, which is promoting an initiative to help address the problem.
It's developed the Australian Fish Names List and Standard to improve consumer confidence. It's an evolving list, and Seafood Services Australia says it's currently seeking industry input on the names “Flake” and “Deepsea Dory”.
Three months' public consultation is required before any amendment is made to the Australian Fish Names Standard, and two new applications to amend the standard are now being considered.
The first application has been made to add the new group name Deepsea Dory to cover the four Oreodory species: Spikey Oreodory, Smooth Oreodory, Warty Oreodory and Black Oreodory.
While there are concerns that the group name Deepsea Dory is similar in name to the iconic species John Dory, Mirror Dory and Silver Dory, they do not compete in the marketplace, according to Seafood Services Australia. The name is not deceptive as the species is harvested in deep waters.
The second application has been to legitimise the use of the name Flake by adding it as a new group name to cover two species, Gummy Shark and the species known in New Zealand as rig.
Flake has been the name used, especially in the fish and chip industry, since about 1920, and particularly in southern Australian states.
The issue that the industry had identified is that the meat from other inferior species of shark has been sold under the name Flake.
If this application is successful, the name Flake will apply to the flesh of the animal in the marketplace and not the whole animal, which will continue to be referred to as Gummy Shark.
Seafood Services Australia says anyone with an opinion on these two applications can comment at www.fishnames.com.au by 15 August 2013.
“Seafood consumers want to know that when they ask for a specific fish anywhere in Australia they are getting the right fish,” Seafood Services Australia said.
The standard aims boost consumer expectations for safe food, fair-trading and truth in labelling.
The standard should also address some other problems, according to Seafood Services Australia. It says fish confusion is also creating market impediments, undermining effective species-based fisheries management, and impeding management of food safety.
Consistency of fish names is key to boosting consumer confidence in the $2.5 billion Australian seafood industry, according to Seafood Services Australia.
