Since its launch 4 years ago, the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organization’s (IFFO) Responsible Supply (RS) program has certified 103 producer plants and 12 chain of custody units in 10 countries worldwide.
As of last year, about 40 percent of combined world fishmeal and fish oil production came from RS certified factories. In addition, last month IFFO launched its website which includes stats on IFFO RS production by country and by species.
The standard was developed by the RS governing board a multi-stakeholder group that includes producers, feed manufacturers, environmental NGO’s as well as processors and retailers.
Version 1 of the standard was launched in 2009 and the development of version 2 has been approved. This new version will include both ethical and environmental clauses covering a wider area to give further re-assurance to all fishmeal and oil users.
In support of the program, Sainsburys’ Ally Dingwall said, ”As part of our commitment to sustainable aquaculture we have recognzsed the impact that the sourcing of wild fish for use in feedstuffs can have on the sustainability of these stocks.
“That’s why we request that every fishery which may be used to make fishmeal and oil for our salmon feeds must first be assessed against our sustainability rating system.
“Only ingredients from well-managed sources can be included in feeds and that is why we have recognized and supported the development of the Global Standard and Certification Program for the Responsible Supply of Fishmeal and Fish Oil (IFFO RS) which allows fish meal and fish oil producers to demonstrate their responsible sourcing credentials through independent audits.”
Morrisons’ Huw Thomas added, “The health of fisheries supplying marine proteins to the aquaculture, nutraceutical and other industries is extremely important. Independent and credible certification of fisheries and supply chains to these industries is a requirement within Morrisons Seafood Sourcing Policy, which is why we support the adoption of the IFFO RS standard within our supply chain.”
