Lidl Portugal has published a set of standards to promote the distribution and consumption of sustainable fish.
The supermarket chain has stated that it is the first in Portugal to guarantee that all of its cod comes from sustainable fishing and holds Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.
Lidl is now increasing its supply of MSC-certified raw material products for deep-sea fish and shellfish.
From March 2018, the retailer aims to increase the offer of products with raw materials certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) for fish and shellfish from aquaculture. It also pledges not to sell endangered species and to promote canned tuna with the 'Dolphin Safe' seal.
The packaging, in addition to displaying the catch area, shows the production unit and requires suppliers to exclude raw material from illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
The packaging of Lidl’s private label products informs customers whether the product comes from deep sea fishing or aquaculture.
Lidl Portugal obliges its suppliers to implement the 'Lidl Code of Conduct' and gives preference to those who do not use hormone-treated or genetically manipulated food.
The supermarket chain only considers suppliers who use legally authorized chemicals in the breeding process or treatment methods, thus avoiding parasitic diseases or infestations in aquaculture or in the wild species.
With this measure, it also ensures that toxic chemicals are not released or are fed into the food chain.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
