Canada Safeway Commits to a Sustainable Seafood Policy

Canada Safeway Limited has launched its Sustainable Seafood Policy in partnership with SeaChoice, a national Canadian coalition of environmental organizations working to protect the health of our oceans by improving the sustainability of seafood.

At the core of Safeway’s policy is its sustainable seafood commitment: by 2015, all fresh and frozen seafood will be sourced from sustainable and traceable sources, or be in a credible improvement project. To meet this goal, SeaChoice and Canada Safeway will engage with the retailer’s suppliers to assess and improve sustainable seafood procurement, as well as educate employees and customers about the environmental concerns associated with seafood.

“As one of Western Canada’s largest food retailers, Safeway is committed to continue transitioning our seafood to sustainable sources over time to make a measurable difference in the planet’s ecosystems,” said Chuck Mulvenna, president and COO for Canada Safeway. “While the oceans have provided healthy food choices for generations, there is clear scientific evidence that many species of marine life are being threatened. Safeway’s seafood sustainability policy outlines our commitment to provide sustainable options for our customers to enjoy. “

Canada Safeway has already removed a number of SeaChoice red-listed species from its seafood counters including Atlantic halibut, orange roughy, Chilean sea bass and shark. In addition to its fresh and frozen commitment, the company has chosen to discontinue its private label canned yellowfin tuna.

The partnership between Canada Safeway and SeaChoice is in collaboration with the US partnership of Safeway Inc. and FishWise, a California-based non-profit focused on helping seafood retailers, distributors and producers develop and implement comprehensive sustainable seafood policies. Canada Safeway’s Sustainable Seafood Policy is consistent with the Common Vision for Environmentally Sustainable Seafood – a guide to environmentally responsible seafood for businesses, developed by more than fifteen of North America’s ocean conservation organizations. Both SeaChoice and FishWise are members of the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions, which developed the Common Vision for Environmentally Sustainable Seafood in which Safeway’s Sustainable Seafood Policy is based.

Calgary-based Canada Safeway, a wholly owned subsidiary of Safeway Inc. operates 224 stores across Western Canada. Pleasanton, Calif.-based Safeway operates 1,694 stores in the United States and Canada and had annual sales of $41 billion in 2010.