A new information standard has been made under the Australian Consumer Law for seafood country of origin labelling (CoOL) in hospitality settings. The aim is to help consumers understand what they’re buying.
Hospitality businesses can start applying the new labelling system to seafood dishes immediately. Changes will become mandatory on 1 July 2026.
Under the changes, hospitality businesses must label the country of origin for all seafood in dishes served for immediate consumption using the AIM model:
- A - Australian
- I - Imported
- M - Mixed origin
These changes follow extensive public consultation, a consumer minister vote and cost-benefit analysis. The aim is to make sure the labelling is consistent and reliable while minimising burden on businesses.
There will be no impact on retailers, like supermarkets, where CoOL for food labelling requirements already apply.