Best Aquaculture Practices Programme Adds Repacking Plants

On July 18, Rich Products Corp.'s plant in Brownsville, Texas, was certified in compliance with the BAP certification standards developed by the Global Aquaculture Alliance to process shrimp and tilapia. The plant makes products for Rich's SeaPak Shrimp & Seafood Co. retail brand, which markets frozen specialty shrimp and seafood.

Rich's, the world leader in non-dairy toppings and icings, sells more than 2,000 products across 100 countries. It is a leading supplier of shrimp and seafood to both consumers and the foodservice industry.

"As a Founding Member of the Global Aquaculture Alliance, food safety and quality assurance have always been top priorities at SeaPak," said Daryl Miller, senior marketing manager for SeaPak Shrimp & Seafood Co. "BAP is the most prestigious plant certification in the industry. It validates the excellence in best processing and production practices at our Brownsville plant and bolsters SeaPak's role as a trusted source for premium seafood products."

BAP certifications for two Slade Gorton and Co., Inc. plants were completed July 13. The Slade Gorton facility in Boston, Mass., is certified to process tilapia, salmon, catfish and Pangasius. The company's Fort Lauderdale, Fla., plant can handle tilapia, salmon and catfish.

Slade Gorton is one of America's largest importers, distributors and manufacturers of fresh, frozen and premium value-added seafood products. Founded in 1928, the privately held, multi-generational family business is committed to supplying wholesome, nutritious and sustainable foods.

"Slade Gorton is proud of its affiliation with GAA and to have received BAP certification for our East Coast plants," Kim Gorton, company president and CEO, said. "Our legacy depends on the sustainability of the oceans' resources as the most efficient and environmentally sound way to feed a growing global population. We are committed to supporting continuous improvements in responsible harvesting and farming practices, enhancements in food safety and traceability, and reducing the social impacts associated with global fishing practices."

"The Global Aquaculture Alliance applauds these companies and their plants for achieving certification," BAP Vice President of Development Peter Redmond said. "Compliance with the BAP standards requires program participants to comprehensively address environmental and social responsibility, as well as animal welfare, food safety and traceability throughout their operations."

In addition to repacking plants, more than 430 aquaculture facilities around the world are currently certified. BAP-certified facilities are audited annually to GAA's BAP standards by ISO-accredited certification bodies. A list of certified facilities is available online at www.bestaquaculturepractices.org. The BAP list now includes over 220 farms and 175 processing plants.