The QA mark, which is accredited to EN45011, is the Gold Standard for product certification. It guarantees quality assurance, confirming that the salmon has been produced to a strict set of standards. These cover care for the environment, handling and welfare, production and husbandry. It also embraces food safety and assurance during processing and packing.
Stringent Practices
The Eco-Salmon Standard will only be issued to salmon producers and processors who adhere to stringent environmental management practices in all aspects of their business. Speaking at the launch BIM aquaculture development manager, Donal Maguire said that while eco-standards exist internationally, this accreditation scheme is a world first for farmed salmon.
"Seafood products accredited under this scheme will be of unrivalled quality. Critically, they come from a highly sustainable source and are produced with minimal environmental impact," he added.
Donegal-based seafood company, Marine Harvest is first company to qualify for the Irish Eco-Salmon standard - an achievement that has been warmly welcomed by BIM. It hopes the Salmon QA scheme will be rolled out to a number of producers within the next twelve months.