Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) has been accredited to certify processors, distributors and other participants in the supply chain under the new Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) standards.
Companies seeking to sell ASC-labeled farmed seafood can now apply for chain-of-custody certification from SCS. The ASC eco-label is applicable to eight aquaculture species groups.
“Responsibly farmed seafood can reduce pressure on marine environments while increasing the role of civil society in supporting responsible food production,” said Sian Morgan of Emeryville, Calif.-based SCS, who also served as a technical expert in the Aquaculture Dialogues. “The ASC also affords industry the opportunity to demonstrate leadership around best practices and transparency.”
SCS is also a global certifier to the Marine Stewardship Council standards and chain of custody. Therefore, companies that already hold a valid MSC chain-of-custody certification can apply to SCS for a combined certification for seafood from both wild fisheries and farms by means of a simplified assessment process.
The ASC unveiled its consumer eco-label earlier this week. This summer, the ASC label will appear on tilapia packaging in supermarkets in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Sweden, Denmark and England.
