Compass increases its fish to avoid list

At a time when some companies have just de-listed blue fin tuna, the world's largest contract caterer, Compass Group, has made a decision to increase its 'Fish to Avoid' list.

The significant increase takes the number of fish on the list in the UK and Ireland from 13 to 69.

These species will not be served in any Compass Group UK and Ireland restaurants, in any hospitality dishes or be used in any sandwiches or other grab-and-go offerings until the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) advises otherwise.

This updated list takes immediate effect in all of Compass' 6,500 sites including Oxford Brookes University, Lewisham Council's schools, Chelsea FC, Procter & Gamble UK/Ireland and Bristol Zoo Gardens.

The species on Compass' Fish to Avoid list have been identified by the MCS as the "most vulnerable to over-fishing and/or are fished using methods which cause damage to the environment or non-target species" and include four varieties of skate, five tunas and two types of plaice.

Compass created its Sustainable Seafood Guidelines, including its Fish to Avoid list, in October 2008. Blue fin tuna was included in the original list and in June 2009 swordfish was added, both in accordance with the MCS.

Ian El-Mokadem, managing director, Compass Group UK & Ireland, added, "Compass has a clear commitment to sustainable sourcing, whether this be through providing full traceability of products and suppliers, or supporting British and Fairtrade farmers and growers. 

"We are proud to be the only contract caterer to whole-heartedly support the sustainability of the seas through our Sustainable Seafood Guidelines and Fish to Avoid list and we will continue to revise and update this regularly in accordance with the MCS website."

Words: Clare Riley

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