ASC Statement in response to Foodwatch Report on the value of certification labels for farmed salmon

Consumer trust, accountability and transparency are at the core of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council programme and underpin the credibility of the ASC label.

We welcome scrutiny of certification systems. However, the recent Foodwatch report presents a misleading narrative that does not accurately reflect how ASC certification operates and risks undermining consumer confidence in credible certification programmes.

ASC certification is farm-specific, independently audited and supported by clear enforcement measures. The audit reports from the independent audits of all certified farms are public and available for download on our website.

The issues raised—relating to fish health, mortality, disease management and oversight—are comprehensively addressed within the ASC programme through strict, independently verified requirements. These include mandatory monitoring, reporting and action on fish health and mortality, supported by enforceable compliance mechanisms. ASC has been independently recognised by the Aquatic Life Institute as the leading certification programme for animal welfare among the world’s major aquaculture standards.

Claims made by Foodwatch are based on a limited and selectively framed evidence base. A sample of eight products is not sufficient to support broader conclusions about ASC or salmon farming, and some cases referenced are several years old. ASC nevertheless takes all allegations seriously and is investigating the claims made against specific farms.

ASC certification does not replace regulation or provide continuous on-farm supervision. It provides a robust, transparent and independently audited system, with clear consequences where standards are not met, including corrective actions, suspension or withdrawal of certification.

ASC‑labelled seafood is fully traceable through a strict Chain of Custody system, ensuring products originate from certified farms and are kept separate from non‑certified seafood throughout the supply chain. This is independently verified through audits at every stage. While product packaging does not always specify the exact farm of origin, traceability is operationally verified throughout the supply chain, allowing consumers to trust that ASC‑labelled products come from certified farms.

ASC standards are science-based, developed through a multi-stakeholder process, and verified through independent audits. ASC is the only aquaculture certification programme fully compliant with the ISEAL Alliance Codes of Good Practice.

This is reinforced by independent recognition: ASC has again been rated a Top Ecolabel by Milieu Centraal, a trusted, government-supported organisation for Dutch consumers, and the Good Fish Foundation highlights ASC as a key tool to help consumers make informed seafood choices.

We remain committed to transparency and welcome the opportunity to further explain how our standards are applied in practice.