Sainsbury’s Scottish salmon is now ASC-certified

Sainsbury’s says it has become the first UK supermarket group to have 100% of its fresh Scottish salmon range independently certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).

Seafood that carries the ASC logo has been sourced from farms that have been independently certified as both environmentally and socially responsible. 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.

Sainsbury’s says that in Scotland less than 5 per cent of all salmon farms have been certified against the exacting criteria set by ASC. As of now, 100% of Sainsbury’s Sea Bass, Sea Bream, Tilapia, Basa and chilled & frozen King Prawns products are ASC certified.

Gavin Hodgson, Head of Agriculture, Aquaculture & Horticulture at Sainsbury’s said: “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.”

He added: “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.”

Chris Ninnes, CEO of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council said: “We believe consumers want to make a difference with their food choices, by choosing seafood from responsible farmers. But this can only happen if retailers provide shoppers with a comprehensive choice of certified products, which is why this commitment by Sainsbury’s is so important.

“Scottish salmon is a world-famous product, for good reason. But it must be produced in a way that also preserves the iconic environment in which it is farmed. Sainsbury’s customers now have the chance to play their part in supporting responsible salmon farming by looking for the ASC logo.”