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Loblaw modifies fresh fish and seafood counters to highlight at-risk fish and alternatives |
03.05.2010
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BRAMPTON, Ontario-The fresh seafood counters at select Loblaw stores look a little different as of Feb. 4 as the company takes steps to meet its goal to source all fish and seafood sold in its stores from sustainable sources by the end of 2013.
Now, at select corporate stores throughout Canada, empty trays take the place of products that were labeled "at-risk." The goal is to create a visual message to help educate customers about sustainable seafood choices. Once a viable sustainable product can be found, the trays will be filled.
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"As Canada's largest buyer and seller of seafood, Loblaw has taken a hard look at the challenges facing the world's oceans and what it means to us," said Paul Uys, vice president of fresh foods for Loblaw Companies Limited, in a prepared statement. "We believe its critical that Canadians understand this important issue, and the changes at our fresh seafood counters are among the first steps we have taken to educate customers as to why Loblaw is committed to sourcing all seafood in our stores from sustainable sources."
Loblaw is working with partners such as WWF-Canada and the Marine Stewardship Council, as well as marine scientists, conservation experts and fisheries to meet its commitment.
"Research is telling us that a lot of the fish and seafood we eat are seriously depleted because of overfishing and other unsustainable fishing practices," said Dr. Jeffrey Hutchings, professor of biology and Canada Research Chair in Marine Conservation & Biodiversity at Dalhousie University, and an advisor to Loblaw, in a prepared statement.
To help customers make better choices, in addition to the changes to the fresh seafood counter, Loblaw now offers in-store sustainable seafood guides.
In 2009, the company made a commitment to source all seafood sold in its retail locations from sustainable sources by the end of 2013. This commitment covers all canned, frozen, fresh, wild and farmed seafood products, in all categories.
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