Salmon industry experts representing SOTA members in Chile, Canada and the United States are participating in the program.
“We believe this project will be the most comprehensive seafood certification program initiated to date. FMI retail and wholesale members will guide the development of the program, which will be audited by international third party certification experts," said Paul Ryan, Executive Director of the SQF Program at FMI.
The salmon project is based on a risk analysis of each stage in the salmon supply chain. Critical areas of production will be identified and monitored to ensure proper controls are maintained. The project will serve as the global model for best practices for the safe production of farm-raised salmon.
In addition to the food safety and quality aspects of salmon production and processing, the program will also include environmental and worker welfare issues.
“This program will ensure our retail members that the salmon they purchase from SQF certified suppliers has been produced and processed by SOTA members using responsible practices,” Ryan added.
“We are pleased to be working with FMI on this initiative and feel that the uniform standards of this program will allow retailers to confidently promote and sell SOTA salmon supplied by SOTA members under the SQF certification,” stated Alex Trent, SOTA Executive Director. “SQF certification will provide additional confidence for consumers that producers are using responsible salmon farming practices. The results will be good for producers, retailers, and consumers who will be able to reap the unique benefits of this extraordinary food.”
Food Marketing Institute (FMI) conducts programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations on behalf of its nearly 1,250 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI’s U.S. members operate more than 25,000 retail food stores and almost 22,000 pharmacies with a combined annual sales volume of nearly $650 billion. FMI’s retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent operators. Its international membership includes 126 companies from more than 65 countries. FMI’s nearly 330 associate members include the supplier partners of its retail and wholesale members.
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