Tasmania’s aquaculture industry is world renowned for its premium product and this Government is committed to keeping it this way.
Yesterday, Biosecurity Tasmania demonstrated that we have a robust, effective and efficient system to protect our industries like aquaculture.
Biosecurity Tasmania responded to a report yesterday of uncooked imported fish being sold at two Southern Tasmanian Coles supermarkets, it took immediate action and within hours the products were recalled.
Imported uncooked fish product is not permitted into Tasmania, so we can minimise risks and best protect the relative disease free status of Tasmania’s fish populations.
Biosecurity Tasmania staff found a new line of trout at the supermarket which was of Scottish origin, although packed in Australia, and was not processed to levels required for sale in Tasmania.
A separate Norwegian fish product was found for sale at another southern supermarket.
The supermarkets worked closely with Biosecurity Tasmania staff to remove the item from the stores immediately.
Biosecurity Tasmania is continuing investigations and will consider applying sanctions.
Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to work with Coles and other suppliers to reduce the risks from this type of product and ensuring that their supply-chain systems prevent this from occurring again.
This highlights the importance of an informed and engaged community and industry in the biosecurity process and is proof that Tasmania’s biosecurity system is working.
Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Primary Industries and Water
