The first ever RSPCA freshwater welfare standards for salmon are being unveiled by the Society's food labelling scheme Freedom Food at the Aquaculture Today Conference in Edinburgh (28-30 March, Sheriton Grand Hotel).
This means that the RSPCA welfare standards for farmed atlantic salmon - which were launched in 2002 - now cover the entire life cycle of salmon from hatching through to slaughter.
The RSPCA has drawn up 79 detailed standards covering all stages of the freshwater cycle for farmed salmon from green eggs through to smolts.* They include requirements for all aspects affecting their welfare such as health, feeding, handling, water quality and management.
Bob Waller, Freedom Food's Technical Development Manager, said: “The launch of the freshwater standards is another major step forward for improving farm animal welfare in general, and freshwater aquaculture specifically.
“But not only is it good news for salmon reared under Freedom Food, it is also good news for consumers who can now be reassured that Freedom Food salmon products come from fish that are covered by RSPCA welfare standards from the moment they hatch, right through to slaughter.
“Salmon farming has experienced a massive growth over the past 10 years, proof that salmon is making its mark on the British diet. We hope that the new standards will attract more salmon farmers to join Freedom Food and that in turn more labelled salmon products will be available to people nationwide.â€
To find out more about Freedom Food and the new standards visit the Freedom Food stand in the Banqueting Foyer at the Aquaculture Today exhibition, or call Freedom Food enquiries on 0870 754 0014.
Freedom Food salmon is currently available from Selfridges, Loch Fyne Restaurants, Fresh & Wild or by mail order from www.donaldrussell.com
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