Global caterer the Compass Group is substantially increasing the number of species on its 'Fish to Avoid' list. (Photo: Compass Group)

Global caterer adheres to sustainable fish recommendations

UNITED KINGDOM
Monday, August 03, 2009, 16:20 (GMT + 9)

Compass Group has decided to swell its 13-species “Fish to Avoid” list up to 69 species in the UK and Ireland. The world’s largest contract caterer will refuse to serve any of the species at restaurants, in hospitality dishes or in grab-and-go products unless it is deemed environmentally responsible by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).

The new arrangement takes place immediately at every one of the group’s 6,500 sites, such as Oxford Brookes University, Lewisham Council’s schools, Chelsea FC, Procter & Gamble UK/Ireland and Bristol Zoo Gardens.

“As the world’s leading contract caterer providing meals to so many people each day, Compass’ decision to follow the MCS guidelines and delist these species is significant,” said Neil Pitcairn, Fish and Seafood Buyer for Compass Group UK & Ireland. “There are many wonderful and delicious fish that can be caught without risk of over-fishing.”

Four varieties of skate, five tunas and two types of plaice are included in Compass’s Fish to Avoid list. The species have all been identified by the MCS as the “most vulnerable to over-fishing and/or are fished using methods which cause damage to the environment or non-target species.”

Fish to Avoid notes species names along with the problematic methods of fishing and the geographical locations, e.g. organically farmed Atlantic or MSC-certified Pacific cod is fine to eat, but not wild Atlantic cod (fished from all areas except Northeast Arctic, Iceland and Western Channel, Bristol Channel and Southeast Ireland and Sole).

“Compass is leading the catering sector in addressing fisheries sustainability,” said Simon Brockington, MCS's Head of Conservation.

“By removing stocks from MCS' 'fish to avoid' list, Compass is helping to reduce demand for over-exploited fish. This is a crucial step in ensuring the long term survival of vulnerable fisheries,” he added.

Ian El-Mokadem, Compass Group Managing Director (Photo: Compass Group)

The group’s Sustainable Seafood Guidelines, which include its Fish to Avoid list, was created in October last year. Bluefin tuna was originally in the list and swordfish was added in June, in accordance with the MCS.

“Compass has a clear commitment to sustainable sourcing, whether this be through providing full traceability of products and suppliers, or supporting British and Fairtrade farmers and growers,” said Ian El-Mokadem, Managing Director, Compass Group UK & Ireland.

“We are proud to be the only contract caterer to whole-heartedly support the sustainability of the seas through our Sustainable Seafood Guidelines and Fish to Avoid list and we will continue to revise and update this regularly in accordance with the MCS website,” El-Mokadem concluded.

Related article:

- Focus on ethical sourcing out of line, say fishery leaders

By Natalia Real
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com