NSW Shellfish Committee

The Committee’s functions are limited to those relating to consultation and advice. The Committee does not have a budget, nor does it advocate or make representations or make decisions on behalf of the Food Authority. It can however raise matters of significance that may require consideration by the NSW Government or other NSW Government departments.

The primary objective of the Committee is to contribute to the Authority’s goal of ensuring the production and sale of shellfish products that are safe and suitable for human consumption, by advising on policy and practices introduced into provisions of the seafood safety scheme as it relates to shellfish and developed through a consultative process. 

The Committee has the function of consulting with the Authority and providing advice on food safety schemes relating to the shellfish industry. The Committee is also consulted on other shellfish industry matters covered by the provisions of the NSW Food Regulation, which may include:

• undertaking consultation with the Authority for the purposes of section 105 of the Actin relation to the provisions of the seafood safety scheme as it relates to shellfish; and
• ongoing review of the operation of the provisions of the seafood safety scheme as itrelates to shellfish.

Where appropriate, Committee consideration may include policies and practices of interstate and overseas government food agencies and industry organisations. 

Where appropriate, Committee members will provide industry updates and discuss current issues at each Committee meeting. The Authority will provide the Minister with advice on significant issues raised by the Committee.

Other government agencies may seek to use the broad expertise and experience of the Committee members to obtain advice on matters beyond the scope of the provisions of the seafood safety scheme as it relates to shellfish, or to share information. In all cases these items will be clearly marked in the agenda and Committee members will be asked for their consent to provide such advice. 

Advice on matters not within the Committee’s legislative remit cannot be viewed as committee advice but rather as advice provided by individuals. For transparency, those bringing forward such items need to be aware that meeting outcomes are made public. 

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development also convenes a range of other committees to provide advice on specific issues of relevance from time to time.

Meetings are held quarterly with agenda items called for 1 month before each meeting.

Meeting outcomes

2026

• NSW Shellfish Committee meeting summary of outcomes - 19 August 2026 (PDF, 159KB)
• NSW Shellfish Committee meeting summary of outcomes - 20 May 2026 (PDF, 156 KB)
• NSW Shellfish Committee meeting summary of outcomes 25 February 2026 (PDF, 175 KB)

2025

• NSW Shellfish Committee meeting summary of outcomes 11 November 2025
• NSW Shellfish Committee meeting summary of outcomes 27 August 2025

To request older committee meeting outcomes, email food.contact@dpird.nsw.gov.au 

• Shellfish Committee Charter & Procedural Guidelines - 2026 (PDF, 98KB)

For enquiries regarding the NSW Shellfish Committee, contact the relevant industry representative or the NSW Shellfish Program at:

• food.nswsp@dpird.nsw.gov.au
• 1300 552 406