September 6, 2019 — The following was released by the Marine Stewardship Council:
True World Foods, wholesale provider of sushi-grade product to restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets throughout the US, has achieved MSC Chain of Custody (COC) certification for its albacore, sockeye salmon, and Atlantic surf clam. With COC certification, True World Foods guarantees that fish can be traced throughout the supply chain to an MSC certified source, demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainability.
“True World Foods is proud to partner with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in striving to ensure all of the seafood we secure for our customers comes from only reputable and sustainable sources worldwide,” said Robert Bleu, President of True World Group (Holding Company which owns the True World Foods Organizations). “We are active with multiple organizations such as MSC to foster and create a future which provides sustainable seafood for years to come.
The MSC is an international non-profit organization, established to safeguard seafood supplies for the future. Recognized as the world’s leading certification program for sustainable, wild-caught seafood, the MSC works with leaders within the fishing industry and seafood sector to create a more sustainable seafood market. MSC certification is a voluntary, science-based program verified by an independent, third party organization.
To be sold as MSC certified, seafood from MSC certified fisheries can only be handled, processed and packaged by organizations with a valid Chain of Custody certificate. These organizations are audited regularly by independent certification bodies to ensure that they comply with the MSC Chain of Custody Standard. This requires that MSC certified seafood is only purchased from certified suppliers and is always identifiable, segregated from non-certified seafood and sold with the correct paperwork identifying it as certified. MSC regularly monitors the supply chain and auditor application of the MSC Standard to ensure that requirements are being followed correctly.
“True World Foods is demonstrating leadership in sustainability with this achievement,” said Brian Perkins, Regional Director, Americas for the Marine Stewardship Council. “Chain of Custody certification is important for supply chain sustainability as well as for consumers, because it assures that standards are met throughout the supply chain, and that the products are traceable back to a sustainable fishery. This is a notable accomplishment and we’re proud of True World Food’s dedication to sustainable seafood.”
True World Foods, LLC’s COC certification will expire in June 2022 and must undergo annual audits to ensure the MSC Standard continues to be met.