Rizhao, China-based Green Life Foods Co. has become the first Chinese mussel and oyster farmer to obtain Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification.
The accomplishment was announced on 19 March at Seafood Expo North America in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., though the certification was awarded in 2018.
Green Life Foods produces a variety of canned foods, but has a focus on the export of canned smoked shellfish. It also operates aquaculture farms 750 hectares of production sites in China.
“The ASC certificate will help us win customers recognition and expand the markets in North America, Australia and Japan,” Green Life Foods General Manager Chen Weijiang said in a press release.
In the release, the company detailed improvements it made to production and processing practices to achieve ASC certification, including replacing all its Styrofoam floating rafts and improving employee safety and its work environment.
“The efforts of Green Life Foods to reduce plastic waste pollution, support local communities, and improve the work environment for their employees demonstrate a commitment to both environmental and social responsibility,” ASC CEO Chris Ninnes said.
At a press conference at SENA, Ninnes highlighted the 11 Chinese enterprises that have received ASC certification, which collectively produce nearly 60,000 metric tons of tilapia, bivalves, and shrimp.
“We are pleased to see growing demand for ASC certification in China, not only for exporters but also for the domestic market, where responsible practices are increasingly important to consumers,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Aquaculture Stewardship Council
