The Best Aquaculture Practices program has awarded its first certification of a salmon-processing facility to Multiexport Foods S.A. The vertically integrated salmon-farming company's plant in Puerto Montt, Chile, received the certification Jan. 16.
"We congratulate Multiexport Foods for this industry-leading achievement," George Chamberlain, president of the Global Aquaculture Alliance said. "With the first BAP-certified salmon farms and now processing plants coming on line, BAP is continuing to make a difference in helping to supply wholesome, responsible seafood for the world's growing food needs."
Multiexport Foods' state-of-the-art processing plant has an annual capacity of 80,000 metric tons. It offers a variety of fresh, frozen and smoked salmon products and cuts.
Multiexport Foods CEO Andres Lyon said BAP certification is another important step in the company's commitment to responsible and sustainable aquaculture.
"We are very proud of this achievement," Lyon said. "It is a testimonial to the commitment we have as an organization to practice responsible aquaculture. We want to be a key part of the solution to feed the world today and tomorrow in a sustainable way."
BAP certification is based on the international Best Aquaculture Practices standards developed by the Global Aquaculture Alliance. The standards require biodiversity protection, effluent limits, worker safety and strict controls on chemical use. The processing plant standards also reinforce existing HACCP plans and require traceability. The certification process includes site inspections and in-depth audits by third-party certification bodies.
About BAP
Best Aquaculture Practices is an international certification program developed by the Global Aquaculture Alliance that is based on achievable, science-based and continuously improved global performance standards for the entire aquaculture supply chain — farms, hatcheries, processing plants and feed mills. BAP certification assures healthful foods produced through environmentally and socially responsible means. For more information on BAP, visit www.gaalliance.org/bap/.
Source: Global Aquaculture Alliance