Legislation & Guidelines - Labelling & Certification Schemes
There are a growing number of quality schemes in existence with UK examples including Scottish Quality Salmon and Quality Trout UK , and analogous initiatives in other countries (e.g. Label Rouge in France ). Such quality schemes now commonly incorporate criteria aimed specifically at safeguarding fish welfare (e.g. limits for key water quality parameters, maximal stocking densities). In addition to measures aimed at safeguarding welfare these schemes also place an increased emphasis on quality assurance and traceability. A recent development in UK aquaculture is the finalisation of the Freedom Foods standards for Atlantic salmon. Freedom Foods is a scheme monitored by the Royal Society for the Prevention for Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and is dedicated to improve the welfare of farm animals.
Another form of labelling that is becoming increasingly prominent is organic certification. There are now numerous organic labelling schemes operating throughout Europe and although animal welfare is not strictly covered by the definition of organic produce, most schemes specify measures aimed to improve and safeguard animal welfare. Organic salmon, trout and cod are now available in the UK and although improved animal welfare fits with the ethos of organic production, it is unclear how the limits for specified conditions are decided upon, especially for a species such as cod of which very little is known.
The existence of so many different schemes runs the risk of confusing the consumer and there is also the risk that the welfare of fish from producers who are not part of such labelling schemes is viewed as being inferior; this is not necessarily the case. To justify any premium in price, labelling schemes need to specify conditions that differentiate themselves from conventional production. However, if one of the selling points of a label is improved welfare, it is imperative that the production conditions reflect a genuine and measurable improvement in animal welfare and not just a list of boxes that need to be ticked.