Ducktrap River of Maine, a subsidiary of Mowi, is facing a lawsuit claiming that its sustainability claims on its packaging are false and misleading.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District Court of Maine by New York resident Abigail Starr, alleges that the company’s sustainability claims on packaging are false and misleading, the Portland Press Herald reported. The lawsuit claims that the company’s “industrial farming practices” are threatening the environment, and are not sustainable.
According to the Press Herald, the lawyers who filed the suit are seeking class-action status on the lawsuit. The lawsuit does not specify damages, but did specify that the company could face a fine of up to USD 50 (EUR 40) for each sale.
Mowi’s response was that the allegations in the lawsuit are “unfounded.”
“All Mowi farm-raised Atlantic salmon products in the U.S. are certified as sustainably and responsibly sourced by independent third parties,” Mowi said in a media statement. “Following a rigorous certification process, Mowi has been recognized to abide by industry best practices for sustainable aquaculture, following the Best Aquaculture Practices and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council standards.”
In addition to both BAP and ASC certifications, the company also pointed out that it was recognized as the most sustainable protein producer in the world by the Coller FAIRR Index – a benchmark dedicated to profiling animal protein producers – and that it has also been recognized by the Carbon Disclosure Project.
“Mowi’s vision of unlocking the potential of the ocean to produce healthy and sustainable food is key to providing urgent solutions that humanity and the planet need. This includes offering more food from the ocean which can provide abundant climate-friendly proteins for a growing population,” Mowi said. “Mowi’s marketing does not deceive clients or consumers. We look forward to vigorously defending this lawsuit.”
