'Completely out of control': Popular food item now considered dangerous for consumption
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Food, especially fresh produce, needs to be clean and safe for consumption.
In a turn of events that has sent ripples through the Australian food industry, a popular food product has been stripped of its prestige following allegations of animal welfare breaches.
The Tasmanian salmon, a staple in many Australian households and a symbol of the island state's 'clean, green' image, has been stripped of its RSPCA certification.
The controversy erupted after a bacterial outbreak led to the death of over 1 million salmon across Tasmania.
Huon Aquaculture, a subsidiary of Brazil's largest meat producer, JBS, found itself in the eye of the storm.
Recent photos from the Bob Brown Foundation saw Huon Aquaculture workers throwing live and dead salmon into the same containers.
The RSPCA, an animal welfare organisation, initially suspended its accreditation of Huon for 14 days.
The initial suspension was a response to what the RSPCA described as 'inhumane handling of live, sick or injured fish,' which it deemed 'unacceptable'.
RSPCA Australia CEO Richard Mussell emphasised that certified producers are expected to adhere to standards that surpass the minimum legal requirements.
'The decision to withdraw a certification reflects how seriously we take incidents like this that compromise animal welfare,' Mr Mussell added.
The RSPCA's stance has been grounded in the recognition that fish, including those farmed for human consumption, are beings capable of experiencing pain and suffering.
Therefore, their welfare should be a priority in farming practices.
Despite this, Huon Aquaculture expressed their disappointment over the RSPCA's decision.
Huon Aquaculture attributed the incident to an 'unprecedented, challenging period'.
On the other hand, conservation group The Bob Brown Foundation accused the salmon farming industry of being 'completely out of control'.
The foundation praised the RSPCA for its swift decision.
The Bob Brown Foundation's spokesperson, Alistair Allan, once criticised the RSPCA for previously accepting payments from factory farms, which were a compromise of their standards.
However, Allan commended the organisation for upholding its values and morals in this instance.
This incident cast a shadow over Tasmania's salmon farming industry, which has been under increasing pressure to reform its operations.
Critics argued that the industry's practices have been tarnishing Tasmania's reputation for producing clean and sustainable food.
The situation has become so dire that Tasmanian beaches have been littered with decaying salmon carcasses.
In response to the growing concerns, food delivery app Box Divvy has severed its ties with the Tasmanian salmon industry.
To keep up with the demand for salmon, Box Divvy has opted for New Zealand produce despite its price point.
Key political figures, including Tasmania's Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, have continued to support the international salmon farming multinationals operating in Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also pledged to ensure the industry's future through legislation.
This legislation aimed to address legal challenges faced by the industry.
One of these challenges involved the Maugean skate—a native fish on the brink of extinction due to the poor water quality in its sole habitat, Macquarie Harbour.
The RSPCA previously refused to allow its label on salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour.
Yet, both Coles and Woolworths continue to sell salmon from the region.
The Tasmanian salmon industry saga reminds Aussies of the complexities involved in industry growth and animal welfare concerns.
It also highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in food production.
Have you been affected by this salmon shortage? What are your thoughts about these fishing practices in Australia? Share your opinions in the comments below.
In a turn of events that has sent ripples through the Australian food industry, a popular food product has been stripped of its prestige following allegations of animal welfare breaches.
The Tasmanian salmon, a staple in many Australian households and a symbol of the island state's 'clean, green' image, has been stripped of its RSPCA certification.
The controversy erupted after a bacterial outbreak led to the death of over 1 million salmon across Tasmania.
Huon Aquaculture, a subsidiary of Brazil's largest meat producer, JBS, found itself in the eye of the storm.
Thousands of dead and alive salmons were put in same containers. Image Credit: Facebook/Bob Brown Foundation
Recent photos from the Bob Brown Foundation saw Huon Aquaculture workers throwing live and dead salmon into the same containers.
The RSPCA, an animal welfare organisation, initially suspended its accreditation of Huon for 14 days.
The initial suspension was a response to what the RSPCA described as 'inhumane handling of live, sick or injured fish,' which it deemed 'unacceptable'.
RSPCA Australia CEO Richard Mussell emphasised that certified producers are expected to adhere to standards that surpass the minimum legal requirements.
'The decision to withdraw a certification reflects how seriously we take incidents like this that compromise animal welfare,' Mr Mussell added.
The RSPCA's stance has been grounded in the recognition that fish, including those farmed for human consumption, are beings capable of experiencing pain and suffering.
Therefore, their welfare should be a priority in farming practices.
Despite this, Huon Aquaculture expressed their disappointment over the RSPCA's decision.
Huon Aquaculture attributed the incident to an 'unprecedented, challenging period'.
On the other hand, conservation group The Bob Brown Foundation accused the salmon farming industry of being 'completely out of control'.
The foundation praised the RSPCA for its swift decision.
The Bob Brown Foundation's spokesperson, Alistair Allan, once criticised the RSPCA for previously accepting payments from factory farms, which were a compromise of their standards.
However, Allan commended the organisation for upholding its values and morals in this instance.
This incident cast a shadow over Tasmania's salmon farming industry, which has been under increasing pressure to reform its operations.
Critics argued that the industry's practices have been tarnishing Tasmania's reputation for producing clean and sustainable food.
The situation has become so dire that Tasmanian beaches have been littered with decaying salmon carcasses.
In response to the growing concerns, food delivery app Box Divvy has severed its ties with the Tasmanian salmon industry.
To keep up with the demand for salmon, Box Divvy has opted for New Zealand produce despite its price point.
Key political figures, including Tasmania's Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, have continued to support the international salmon farming multinationals operating in Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also pledged to ensure the industry's future through legislation.
This legislation aimed to address legal challenges faced by the industry.
One of these challenges involved the Maugean skate—a native fish on the brink of extinction due to the poor water quality in its sole habitat, Macquarie Harbour.
The RSPCA previously refused to allow its label on salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour.
Yet, both Coles and Woolworths continue to sell salmon from the region.
The Tasmanian salmon industry saga reminds Aussies of the complexities involved in industry growth and animal welfare concerns.
It also highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in food production.
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