Delhaize Group is to implement a sustainable seafood policy across its US portfolio, which comprises the stores Hannaford, Sweetbay, Bottom Dollar Food and Food Lion.
The new policy means all suppliers will have to verify that seafood is coming from sources managed for sustainability and encouraged local sourcing. The move will cover fresh, frozen and packaged fish and shellfish.
Delhaize’s programme was developed in partnership with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI), a non-profit marine science centre.
The Belgian-based retailer is calling for all suppliers to be compliant by 31 March 2011.
By this date, all seafood products sold in the retailer's 1,600 stores must demonstrate compliance with the policy or show a clear action plan to reach compliance.
The fisheries must demonstrate a detailed management plan which includes: establishing plans to rebuild stock sizes within a specific time frame if stock levels are below target levels, providing sufficient date to determine appropriate harvest levels are maintained within acceptable limits and maintaining enforcement policies to ensure harvesters follow regulations and prevent illegal practices.
Farm raised seafood suppliers will need to be certified by the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), a programme run by the Global Aquaculture Alliance.
