The Global Aquaculture Alliance on Wednesday announced that drafts of the new Best Aquaculture Practice standards for feed mills are now available for public comment.
Two draft documents, the standards and accompanying audit form, are available on the GAA’s Web site. The first file outlines the standards, including how to best comply with them. The second file outlines the draft audit form, which explains how evaluators will review feed mills for compliance.
The feed mill standards encompass social and environmental responsibility, as well as food safety and traceability. Audit questions address potential chemical and other safety hazards and require certified feed plants to adhere to regulations regarding ingredients. Feed mills must also obtain marine meals and oils from sustainable sources and provide information on the levels of these products used.
“Real or perceived, feeds are the limiting factor in the growth of responsible aquaculture,” said Wally Stevens, GAA executive director. “For that reason, we view the responsible production of feeds as one of the top three issues that our industry must address — and on that we will address at our upcoming GOAL meeting in Seattle [from 27 to 30 October].”
Public comment on the feed mill standards will be accepted through 31 October.
