Unlicensed Seafood Business Operators Fined and Convicted

On 20 March, a Dandenong couple pleaded guilty to one count each of operating a seafood
business without holding a current and valid seafood safety licence.

PrimeSafe had alleged that the couple transported and stored seafood sold for human consumption –
including to several restaurants – without being licensed under the Seafood Safety Act 2003.

In its sentencing comments, the Dandenong Magistrates Court observed that the Seafood Safety Act is
directed at public safety and that there is a clear need to deter others from opting out of the
licensing scheme.

Each offender was convicted and fined $2,000 and they were together ordered to pay PrimeSafe’s
costs of nearly $7,000.

PrimeSafe Chief Executive Officer Michael Coffey said:

“PrimeSafe continues to hold to account those who operate meat or seafood businesses unlawfully. It
does so because handling seafood improperly can cause very serious illness or even death, and this
can be prevented by having appropriate food safety systems in place”.

Anyone with information about non-compliant meat or seafood processing and sale should contact
PrimeSafe at info@primesafe.vic.gov.au

Media enquiries: Susan McNair, phone 0439 389 202 or
susan@curriecommunications.com.au