Australia’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) has invested $855,000 into SafeFish, a partnership of seafood experts assisting the industry with issues impacting on free and fair market access for Australian seafood.

First developed by the South Australian Research & Development Institute (SARDI) with Australian Seafood Cooperative Research Council (ASCRC) funding in 2010, SafeFish provides advice to help resolve technical trade impediments, especially in relation to food safety and hygiene. The FRDC’s new investment allows SafeFish to continue. 

Maintaining and enhancing market access for Australian seafood, be it export, import or domestic trade, is critical for future industry growth. The SafeFish project, led by SARDI’s Alison Turnbull, aims to deliver robust food safety research and advice to industry and regulators. This collaborative approach between industry, government and researchers allows for improved efficiencies to current and emerging issues within the seafood industry.

Past project successes include the implementation of rapid test kits for marine biotoxins in the shellfish industry; practical technical reports and workshops on safely extending seafood shelf-life; technical advice during seafood incidents and factsheets on food safety hazards in seafood; and research to underpin appropriate food safety standards and risk management policy (e.g. viral contamination and marine biotoxins).

SafeFish also coordinated the production of technical advice for delegates to the International Food Standards setting organisation, Codex,  to assist in representing Australia's position in development of international food safety standards, preventing market barriers from developing.

Formed in 1991, the FRDC aims to increase economic, social and environmental benefits for Australian fishing and aquaculture, and the wider community, through investing in knowledge, innovation, and marketing. The FRDC is a co-funded partnership between the Australian Government and the fishing and aquaculture sectors. 

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