PHILADELPHIA (PRNewswire) — Aramark, the $15 billion global provider of food, facilities management, and uniforms, announced Thursday that it will transition to 100% sustainably sourced canned skipjack and albacore tuna in the U.S. by April 1, 2016. Sustainably sourced tuna minimizes by-catch levels and helps maintain fish populations.
"The Marine Stewardship Council congratulates Aramark on its commitment to source from MSC certified tuna fisheries. In making certified sustainable seafood available to its customers, Aramark is helping to raise consumer awareness about the importance of ensuring wild fish supplies for generations to come," added Brian Perkins, MSC Regional Director, Americas.
Aramark's approach was developed in consultation from both the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® program and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). When the transition is complete in April 2016, Aramark will have converted an estimated 2.5 million pounds of tuna to sustainably sourced product.
"Aramark is committed to providing our consumers with safe, high-quality, nutritious food that is sourced responsibly," said Scott Barnhart, Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain and Procurement, Aramark. "By transitioning to 100% sustainable canned tuna, we are strengthening our responsible sourcing practices, while delivering on our mission to enrich and nourish lives."
All contracted canned tuna products Aramark purchases in the U.S. will meet green "Best Choice" or yellow "Good Alternative" by Seafood Watch® recommendations: all skipjack canned tuna products will come from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fisheries; and all albacore canned tuna products will be pole-and-line caught or from MSC certified fisheries, whenever available.
"Aramark's commitment is helping to transform the marketplace," said Jennifer Dianto Kemmerly, Director of Seafood Watch®. "By creating more demand for seafood from ocean-friendly sources that protect sea life and habitats."
This transition is the next significant step in Aramark's sustainable seafood commitment. The company has already transitioned half of its total seafood purchases to sustainable sources. As of October 2014, 99% of frozen fin fish purchases met the Seafood Watch® "Best Choice" and "Good Alternative" recommendations.
Seafood Watch® produces science-based, peer-reviewed recommendations that are widely recognized and respected. The Marine Stewardship Council certification serves as an independent third party verification system that evaluates the sustainability of fisheries.
