SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SCOM] — November 25, 2014 — Safeway set a goal that all of its fresh and frozen seafood will be responsibly sourced and traceable or in a time-bound improvements process by the end of 2015.
According to the company, 70% of its fresh and frozen seafood is now "responsibly sourced," up from 51% at the end of 2013.
Responsibly sourced seafood is fished or farmed in a way that safeguards future seafood supplies while minimizing impacts on surrounding ecosystems. Safeway relies on ratings developed by the Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA) Seafood Watch program as well as certifications to ensure its seafood purchases are responsibly sourced.
Safeway says it is shifting sourcing practices to make sure that it sells seafood rated “Best Choice” or “Good Alternative” by the MBA. For example, Safeway now sources California halibut from well-managed US fisheries that avoid harmful interactions with sea turtles. Other species where purchasing has shifted since January are farmed shrimp, Caribbean lobster, wild salmon, mahi mahi, yellowfin and albacore tuna.
Othr aspects of safeway's sustainability drive include labeling products with “Responsible Choice” tags in-store so that customers can choose options that are better for the environment. And Safeway has written letters to support sustainable practices, for example, a recent letter to the Russian Pollock Catchers Association in support of their current improvement efforts.
Safeway also has reached out to suppliers to communicate its sustainability and traceability expectations and to verify that products can be traced back to the farm or boat from which they were harvested.
Safeway recognized partner FishWise for its support in the journey to become more sustainable in seafood sourcing.
This story originally appeared on Seafood.com, a subscription site. It is reprinted with permission.