ASC certified products bearing the consumer label help retailers address the growing demand for responsibly produced seafood. Loblaw’s customers can now be assured that their ASC certified seafood comes from fish farms that are responsibly managed and limit their adverse impact on the environment.
“Loblaw is proud to be introducing the first ASC certified Atlantic salmon in stores, one of many ASC certified products we are looking to introduce,” said Melanie Agopian, senior director, Sustainability, Loblaw Companies Limited.
“We remain committed to improving our seafood sourcing practices and will continue to work diligently with our industry partners to drive towards responsible harvesting practices of both wild and farmed seafood.”
Loblaw has played a key role in bringing responsibly farmed certified seafood products to the wider marketplace in North America. In early 2013, Loblaw was the first retailer in North America to introduce ASC certified tilapia with the launch of its PC® Blue Menu Tilapia, helping meet its commitment to sourcing 100 per cent of its seafood from sustainable sources.
“I’d like to thank Loblaw for their support and commitment to source ASC certified seafood,” said Chris Ninnes, CEO, ASC. “Loblaw is giving consumers the opportunity to recognise and reward responsible farming as well as contribute to transforming aquaculture towards sustainability. This milestone is a great development for Loblaw, ASC and especially North American consumers.”
Traceability assurance
In order to achieve chain of custody certification each company in the supply chain must meet strict requirements and have in place traceability systems that ensure no product mixing or substitutions can occur.?To achieve certification they must pass a third party audit conducted by an independent certification body, which is accredited by Accreditation Services International.
Certified companies are subject to annual surveillance audits, unannounced audits and product trace backs.
Demonstrating environmental and social responsibility
Every ASC certified fish farm has also demonstrated that it is well managed and minimises any adverse environmental and social impacts. As a result ASC certified farms deliver a cleaner seabed, cleaner water and healthier fish. They can also demonstrate that they are preserving the diversity of the species and wild population, adhering to strict feed requirements and ensuring social responsibility.
Responsibly sourced ASC certified Atlantic salmon will be available soon at select Loblaws® and Zehrs® stores in Ontario and Quebec.
