Supermarkets caught out on seafood

Six stores under fire for not taking part in Marine Conservation Society survey as Co-op and M&S land most plaudits.

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has criticised six supermarkets for not taking part in its latest Supermarket Seafood Survey. Aldi, Asda, Budgens, Farmfoods, Lidl and Spar all failed to return the survey documentation.

However, the MCS has praised Marks & Spencer for its “comprehensive seafood policy” covering all fish sold in store. M&S finished in joint gold medal position in the survey with the Co-op, which won plaudits for its labelling and for not selling any fish from the Fish to Avoid list under its own brand.

Sainsbury’s and Waitrose took silver medal honours but none of the other eight supermarkets who took part were deemed worth of bronze status.

Iceland, Morrisons and Tesco were all scored down for factors including selling farmed fish (Iceland), not having sustainability initiatives (Morrisons) or selling a lot of Fish to Avoid (Tesco).

North of England supermarket chain Booths was praised for not selling any fish from the Fish to Avoid list. But its lack of a seafood policy or labelling caused it to be marked down. However, the MCS says it has the most potential to climb the list in the future.

MCS research has found that only eight out of 47 fish stocks in UK waters are currently in a health state.

To help us make more informed choices about our fish, it’s launched a free iPhone app based on its Good Fish Guide. This allows users to check out the most sustainable fish when they’re out shopping. You can download the app from the Apple store by searching for Good Fish Guide or via the MCS website.

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