FROM THE MINISTER FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS

BRUMBY GOVERNMENT FREEZES OUT SEAFOOD SWINDLERS

Thursday, June 25, 2009

The Brumby Labor Government has brought in new regulations to ensure consumers get what they pay for when buying frozen fish and seafood.

Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson said the new regulations will prevent consumers from being ripped off by importers and packers using water and ice to inflate the weight of their products.

"In tough economic times, the Brumby Labor Government is taking action to ensure Victorian consumers don’t get ripped off at the checkout,” Mr Robinson said.

"We recently amended the Trade Measurement Regulations 2007 to make it clear the price of frozen seafood should be determined by the weight of seafood in the package and not include any ice or water packed with the seafood.

"It has been a recognised practice within the industry for importers and packers to use water or ice to inflate the weight of prepacked frozen seafood.

"However, Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) inspectors now have a test procedure to accurately weigh prepacked frozen fish and seafood and ensure purchasers are getting value for money.”

The test inspectors will use to weigh the seafood requires a partial thawing to remove ice glaze on the seafood and loose ice included in the packaging.

Traders caught supplying underweight foodstuffs risk fines of up to $20,000 for individuals and up to $100,000 for companies.

Minister Responsible for Fisheries Joe Helper said the new regulations would also protect the Victorian frozen seafood industry from the threat of cheaper underweight imports.

"The new trade measurement regulations not only benefit consumers by ensuring they get what they pay for, they also protect Victorian jobs by stopping importers from undercutting local traders on price by providing underweight products,” Mr Helper said.

"Seafood is Australia’s fourth-most valuable food-based primary industry so any move to protect the integrity of that industry is welcome news.”

Anyone concerned they have been sold an underweight product should contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 or your local Trade Measurement inspector on 1300 365 500.