Sainsbury’s is to have 100% of its fresh Scottish salmon range independently certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).
In Scotland, less than 5% of all salmon farms have been certified against the exacting criteria set by ASC.
To meet the ASC standard, farms must undertake an independent audit in which they are assessed against a host of strict, science-based requirements.
These conditions include the quality of the water, impact on the seabed, and fish health, through to the fair treatment and pay of workers on the farm. Certified farms are re-audited every year and must regularly publish key performance metrics to ensure ongoing compliance.
So far, 100% of Sainsbury’s Sea Bass, Sea Bream, Tilapia, Basa and chilled & frozen King Prawns products are already ASC certified.
“We know it’s our responsibility to ensure the food on our shelves is as sustainably sourced as possible, which is why we’re so pleased to become the first UK retailer to offer 100% ASC certified fresh Scottish salmon,” Gavin Hodgeson, Head of Agriculture, Aquaculture & Horticulture at Sainsbury’s said.
“Over the next few years, we’ll continue working closely with our suppliers to ensure food is sourced sustainably from all perspectives – socially, environmentally and economically.”
