Mtisubishi-backed salmon producer Cermaq has been awarded the Special Recognition Prize by the NGO Compassion in World Farming for its welfare practices, specifically in the humane slaughter of salmon.
“Fish welfare has always been a priority at Cermaq, and we recognise its growing importance to both customers and consumers. Our focus on welfare extends throughout all stages of production, including the termination of life. Cermaq guarantees humane slaughter practices,” said Lars Galtung, Cermaq’s Chief Officer for Communication and Sustainability.
The prize was awarded during the SIAL conference in Paris, where Compassion in World Farming acknowledged Cermaq’s use of percussive stunning as a method of humane slaughter. The NGO evaluates the largest salmon farming companies on various practices, including welfare across the farming process, with humane slaughter being one of the assessed topics.
“We are pleased to recognise Cermaq for its commitment to humane stunning methods for salmon. As a major producer, Cermaq is setting a standard for the industry and certification schemes to follow,” said Dr Tracey Jones, Global Director of Food Business at Compassion in World Farming.
Henrik Duesund, Cermaq’s Global Fish Health Manager, noted, “We are pleased to receive this recognition for our work in securing humane slaughter practices. Cermaq aims to ensure that fish are treated with care throughout their lifecycle, including at the end. It is encouraging to see organisations such as Compassion in World Farming bring attention to this issue.”
Cermaq’s welfare practices and policy are detailed on the company’s website, with performance reported annually in its sustainability report.
