Dar seafood ppp standard

7.1 Affected Parties

The main stakeholders in the introduction of a new Standard are:

• 
  Consumers – Australian consumers of seafood and the community.
  
  
  
• 
  Seafood industry – businesses involved in the primary production, processing, distribution and wholesaling of seafood products and those involved in the importation of seafood for the Australian market.
  
  
  
• 
  Government – Government agencies (National, State and Territory, and Local) responsible for the enforcement of food safety regulations and for providing health care.
  

7.2 Option 1: the status quo

7.2.1 Benefits of Option 1

7.2.1.1 Consumers and the community

Australian households spend about 2.5 per cent of their food budgets on seafood products, which is about the same level as for poultry¹⁹. A study of consumer attitudes in Sydney and Perth found that the perceptions that fish is healthier than meat and that it adds variety to the diet were major factors influencing consumption. However uncertainty about safety and contamination, a lack of knowledge about seafood and high prices were major barriers to increased consumption²⁰. Public health professionals also advocate seafood in the diet as a means to address obesity and as a good source of omega-3 fatty acids²¹.

The consumption of seafood is valued by consumers and can confer considerable nutritional benefits. For example, fish is an excellent source of protein, is low in saturated fat, is a good source of some vitamins and is an excellent source of iodine.