One of the world’s leading casual-dining restaurant companies, Brinker International, Inc., has committed to source Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) product, as part of its sustainable seafood procurement policy.

Founded in 1975, U.S.-based Brinker International owns, operates or franchised 1,647 restaurants under the brands Chili’s® Grill & Bar (1,596 restaurants) and Maggiano’s Little Italy® (51 restaurants).

“We are leading the way to higher sustainability standards through our work with the GAA, whose certification program has become one of the most influential forces in sustainably farmed seafood. All of our farm-raised seafood comes from certified, sustainable farms. We work closely with GAA to ensure our farmed seafood is sourced from BAP-certified facilities,” said Charlie Lousignont, senior vice president of supply chain management at Brinker International.

“GAA is very happy to add Brinker International to the growing list of restaurants companies that require BAP product as its benchmark. Brinker International is taking a very proactive approach to completing this task, and we are proud to help the company achieve its goal,” said Chris Keller, BAP market development manager.

As of the end of May 2016, there are 1,200 BAP-certified processing plants, farms, hatcheries and feed mills. Currently, more than 150 retail and foodservice companies and seafood suppliers worldwide have committed to source farmed seafood from BAP-certified facilities.