CSI Offers Wild-Captured Seafood Certification
Certified Seafood International, Inc. has announced a new choice in the certification of wild-capture seafood. CSI will focus on delivering an affordable and effective eco-certification program that provides credible assurance, expands access to more high-performing fisheries and promotes greater transparency about the seafood that we eat.
“All of us want wild-capture fisheries to remain healthy and productive for generations to come,” said Christine Penney, chair of the CSI board and vice president of sustainability and public affairs at Clearwater Seafoods. “Credible third-party certification programs have an important role to play in recognizing responsible management practices and providing assurance to the market. We are pleased that CSI will expand the choices available to global seafood stakeholders.”
CSI was developed in partnership with credible regional certification programs and looks to build upon those successes. Most significantly, the certificates and standards of the GSSI benchmarked Responsible Fishery Management program are rolling into CSI, meaning that approximately 3 million metric tons of fishery landings are currently certified.
The program’s new global governing board includes individuals from Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States.
“The CSI program will assess fisheries against a clear and rigorous Fisheries Standard grounded in the Guidelines of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization,” said Mike Kraft, CSI executive director. “We believe that a stable standard, focused on fisheries management and based on internationally recognized UN principles, provides clarity and consistency that is vital for fisheries striving to achieve certification.”
The association offers the ability to identify harvest origin on the eco-label, one aspect of the improved transparency that it is committed to promoting over time. More information about the CSI Program is available at csicertified.org.
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Bell Earns 3 Excellent Ratings in SQF Audit
Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. announced the company’s successful completion of its annual SQF Food Safety Program Audit, conducted by the Safe Quality Food Institute, across all North American facilities.
This past year, the highest possible Excellent’ratings were achieved by three of four locations, including its global headquarters in Northbrook, Ill. (96/100) in addition to Middletown, N.Y. (96/100), and Guadalajara, Mexico (100/100). Just shy of Excellent, its Brossard, Canada, facility secured a Good rating of 92/100.
“The SQF scheme recognized under the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is widely known across the food industry as one of the highest standards in food safety. Our exceptional ratings are a true testament to our unwavering commitment to food safety and quality. Bell’s collaborative, cross-functional efforts have contributed to our growth and positively impacted the programs that keep products safe for our customers,” said Martha Herrera, Quality Assurance Project Improvement Manager at Bell’s global headquarters.
The SQF Food Safety Program is a “rigorous and credible food safety and quality program geared toward businesses looking to satisfy their retailers’ and buyers’ GFSI requirements. Their program
includes 13 codes that are designed to meet industry, customer, and regulatory requirements from all sectors of the food supply chain. These codes provide sites with a HACCP-based approach to ensure that their products meet food safety requirements.” (SQF Institute, 2025)
Bell actively participated in the unannounced, three-day SQF Food Safety Program audit, covering key categories of focus such as food quality, employee training, product identification and traceability, allergen management and more as part of the Food Ingredient Manufacturing scope of certification. Bell follows the Approved Supplier Program with specific guidelines and requirements established by the SQF Institute, assuring consistent and safe production of products and services to strategic partners.
For more on Bell Flavors & Fragrances, visit www.bellff.com or follow Bell Flavors & Fragrances on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.
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Hormbles Chormbles ‘Make Candy Make Sense’
Hormbles Chormbles launched its first line of high-protein, zero-sugar, chocolate-flavored candy bars. Packed with 10g protein, 0g sugar, and 100 calories, Hormbles Chormbles exists to “Make Candy Make Sense,” born out of the idea that there should be a guilt-free option for those looking for a healthier, delicious indulgence.
Founded by Jared Smith, co-founder of RXBAR, Hormbles Chormbles was created to bridge the gap between the candy aisle and the nutrition world. Unlike other protein snacks trying to imitate candy, Hormbles Chormbles is candy first, made for those looking for a sweet treat with added nutritional value. With sugar removed, each 33g bar is crafted using high-quality whey and milk protein, meaning it is nutrient-rich and contains all essential amino acids. Not only is it satiating, but it is also functional and effective for muscle recovery.
“Candy never really made sense to me,” said Smith. “At RXBAR, we prioritized transparency and whole food ingredients, yet I still found myself reaching for whatever candy or snack was around. I had a cognitive dissonance with nutrition. I understood its importance, but I still craved candy. There was an opportunity to bridge the gap between the nutrition world and candy. That’s why we created Hormbles Chormbles. We removed the sugar and calories, then added protein, and made candy that makes sense.”
Hormbles Chormbles is designed to taste like candy – because it is. With a focus on functionality and taste, the bars deliver on the satisfaction of candy with none of the sugar crash. Each bar contains added crunch for extra indulgence, maintaining the taste and texture of traditional candy bars, every time.
“The candy you got as a kid on Halloween is still the same today. It’s loaded with sugar and offers no nutritional value,” Jared added. “At Hormbles Chormbles, we’re shaking up the candy aisle with something that’s never been done before.”
With protein becoming a mass-market trend and candy remaining one of the most consumed categories with 98% of American households purchasing candy annually, Hormbles Chormbles is in a prime position to disrupt both categories. The macro-nutrient profile is reflective of the brand’s commitment to innovation, ensuring they deliver on flavor, function, and better-for-you ingredients.
Peter Rahal, RXBAR co-founder and founder of David, sits as a key advisor, lending his expertise to the brand’s strategic growth to break into the $28.1B US chocolate candy market.
Hormbles Chormbles is now available for purchase at hormbles.com. The product is available in four flavors – Salted Fudge, Classic Milk, Cookies and Creme, and Peanut Butter – retailing for $39.99 per box (12 bars).
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