Asda changes policy on seafood

Asda said today (28 March) all its fish will be Marine Stewardship Council-certified within the next five years, as part of a new sustainable policy towards sourcing for its stores.

The move, which brings the retailer in line with parent company Wal-Mart, will mean only wild-caught fresh and frozen fish from fisheries that meet the MSC's environmental standards for sustainable and well-managed fisheries. Asda fish products that conform will carry the MSC's blue label.

As part of the move, the supermarket has already stopped selling shark, skate wings, ling, dog fish (huss) and Dover sole, and plans to do the same with swordfish within the next four months. It also plans to "suspend" the sale of North Sea cod while it liaises with the North Sea Advisory Committee and EU Fisheries (DG Fish) on a stock recovery plan for the species.

Chief executive Andy Bond said: "Our customers tell us they want to buy their fish with peace of mind. We believe the MSC mark on our products, together with clear, country of origin labelling will give our customers the reassurance they're seeking."

Rupert Howes, chief executive of the MSC, said the move "reflects a growing trend amongst major retailers around the world to develop and implement sustainable seafood sourcing policies."

By September this year Asda will also label all its fish with the exact nation of capture, instead of the fishing zone.