Food Alliance’s recently debuted shellfish certification program is now the first aquaculture program added to FishChoice.com’s sustainable seafood directory.
Food Alliance certifies farmed oysters, clams, mussels and geoducks against standards for social and environmental responsibility. The standards address safe and fair working conditions, soil and water conservation and protection of wildlife habitat. The program applies to shellfish produced from seed to harvest within a defined area and with clear ownership of the shellfish being cultured. No antibiotics or GMO breeds are used, and the program does not cover wild harvest. Two companies with Food Alliance certification are already listed on FishChoice, Taylor Shellfish and Hog Island Oysters.
“We are proud of our new partnership with FishChoice,” said Scott Exo, executive director of Food Alliance. “This partnership will help commercial food buyers source products from shellfish producers that are independently certified for sustainable aquaculture practices that protect, improve and support the tidelands and coastal communities in which they work.”
“We are excited about Food Alliance’s shellfish certification,” said Richard Boot, FishChoice president and founder. “This certification is a great development for sustainable seafood and we look forward to letting our audience of seafood buyers know about new Food Alliance certified farmed shellfish products as they become available.”
