SEAFOOD.COM NEWS [Seafoodnews.com] โ April 4, 2013 โ Trader Joe's issued one of its periodic updates on its efforts to convert its sourcing to sustainable seafood. Following is the March 27 update:
Related to work done in support of our seafood goal of shifting to sustainable sources, below are some product specific updates. (Going forward, we will provide monthly updates on the following products as well as new products fitting the goal.)
Frozen Swordfish: We have stopped sourcing swordfish caught in Southeast Asia and are evaluating sources from US Pacific waters. As we work through existing inventory, it's possible that we will have gaps in supply before being able to offer swordfish fitting our goal.
Canned Tuna
Canned Yellowtail Tuna in Olive Oil: We have switched our sourcing from long-line catch methods to pole and line catch methods. We are working through existing inventory; and while we may have gaps in supply as we make the transition, we are working to stay in stock on this item. The new, pole & line caught product will have updated packaging reflecting the change.
Canned Albacore Tuna: Our canned Albacore Tuna items are transitioning to sources using a circle-hook and nylon lead catch method; this is being done to help reduce bycatch. We are working through existing inventory and once we move into a supply of product caught with the new method, the packaging will be updated to reflect the catch method.
Farmed Shrimp
We are in the process of developing a set of standards for our suppliers of farmed shrimp to cover concerns ranging from environmental impact of the aquaculture to the use of antibiotics to safety and traceability from the farms to our stores.
Farmed Salmon
In keeping with our approach of not using GMO ingredients, we will not be offering genetically engineered salmon. We are in the process of developing a set of standards for our suppliers of farmed salmon to cover concerns ranging from environmental impact of the aquaculture to the use of antibiotics and hormones, to prevention of escape of farmed fish into the wild.
This article originally appeared on Seafood.com, a subscription site. It is reprinted with permission.