Government probe reduces fish substitution racket

28/7/03
Recent spot checks on restaurants and cafes by Consumer Protection officers have shown a dramatic decrease in the former widespread practice of substituting quality table fish with inferior species.
Consumer Protection Minister John Kobelke has welcomed the return to ethical standards by restaurateurs and caf? owners, after a random sample of 13 eating houses late last year showed only six were serving what they claimed to be.
"The results of more recent checks have been very pleasing, showing a change in behaviour of those outlets that failed the first round of checks," Mr Kobelke said.
"We warned last year that restaurants could again expect to be under the spotlight, as consumers have the right to get what they order and pay good money for.
"The Gallop Government is delivering a fairer deal to consumers, because all Western Australians are entitled to be protected from unscrupulous businesses."
Mr Kobelke said any food outlet which would deliberately substitute fish or make misrepresentations in its menus or advertising would find themselves facing prosecution.
"In fact, governments across Australia are now joining us in stamping out the fish substitutions," he said.
A national survey and labelling campaign is in the planning stages, which is aimed at ensuring honest labelling of premium table fish. That campaign is to be backed up by random DNA testing, which is admissible in court.
"Western Australia's efforts last year, which included valuable partnerships with the WA Chemistry Centre, the Health Department of WA, and local authorities, was the catalyst for the national response," the Minister said.
Hundreds of WA restaurants have been put on notice and made aware of the heavy penalties that apply to fish substitution.
Any consumers who suspect they have been the victim of fish substitution should contact Consumer Protection on phone: 1300 30 40 54.
Minister's Office - 9222 9211