On Thursday 18 September, members of the Sustainable Seafood Coalition will launch their two codes of conduct.
The Labelling Code
The SSC has created the Voluntary Code of Conduct on Environmental Claims (‘Labelling Code’). All SSC members signing up to the code will label their fish and seafood in a harmonised way, adhering to minimum criteria and only using claims of responsibility and sustainability. They will no longer use other environmental claims. For consumers that means much more clarity and consistency when buying fish products or dishes from SSC members.
The members signing up to the labelling code are: Co-operative Food, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, Lyons Seafoods, New England Seafood Limited, Birds Eye UK, The Saucy Fish Co. / Icelandic Group UK Ltd, Young’s Seafood Limited, Direct Seafoods and M&J Seafood.
The Sourcing Code
The SSC has developed minimum criteria in the Voluntary Code of Conduct on Environmentally Responsible Fish and Seafood Sourcing (the ‘Sourcing Code’). This covers two main areas: general good practice and a commitment to do a risk assessment. Once the Sourcing Code is implemented, all members signing up to the code will have responsible sourcing policies and will adhere to agreed minimum standards.
Our members want to source their fish and seafood responsibly to deliver a long term sustainable industry to their customers based on quality and value. Due to the cross-sectoral nature of the SSC, the Code will create consistency across the industry, allowing consumers to make more informed decisions about their fish and seafood purchases.
Members signing up to the Sourcing Code are: Co-operative Food, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, Feng Sushi, Harbour Lights Falmouth, River Cottage, Lyons Seafoods, New England Seafood Limited, Birds Eye UK, The Saucy Fish Co. / Icelandic Group UK Ltd, Young’s Seafood Limited, Direct Seafoods, Le Lien Ltd, M&J Seafood.
Read the Sourcing Code or download both SSC codes.
ClientEarth is the secretariat of the SSC. To stay up to date with the progress of the coalition, you can sign up for ClientEarth’s newsletter at clientearth.org.
