FoodSafe forum to assist seafood industry to be held in Gosnells

24/6/99
Fisheries Minister Monty House today said a FoodSafe forum to assist the seafood industry to adopt quality assurance programs would be held in Gosnells next week.
The forum is being co-ordinated by the Western Australian Seafood Quality Management Initiative (SQMI), Westfish and the Gosnells City Council.
"The workshop will help seafood retailers and restaurants prepare FoodSafe quality assurance programs in preparation for new national food hygiene standards expected to be introduced later this year," Mr House said.
SQMI is an initiative of the Coalition Government to strengthen WA's competitive position as a leading producer and exporter of seafood products.
The Government had provided $450,000 over a three-year period to fund the initiative. The Minister said by developing a more cohesive program in best practice and quality, this State's fishing industry would be able to capitalise on a growing demand for quality seafood from WA.
"The Australia New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) is currently developing four new national food hygiene standards which will directly impact on WA business," Mr House said.
"We want to assist businesses to prepare for these new standards.
"Under the legislation, all seafood retailers and restaurants will have to adopt approved food safety programs, based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) methodology.
"Foodsafe is a national program of the Health Department which provides a safety tool kit for proprietors to learn about HACCP and build their own food safety program."
Representatives from Fisheries WA, Seafood Quality Management Initiative, Health Department of WA, Gosnells City Council and Westfish will address the forum.
The forum is being held at the Gosnells City Council Conference Room from 9am to 1pm on Monday, June 28.
For further information, contact Christine Kershaw on 94243167
Media contact: Julie Cole 9481 2044