Wisconsin-based Superior Fresh announced Thursday its land-based Atlantic salmon has been certified Non-GMO by certification group A Greener World (AGW).
AGW's certification guarantees the product is produced without the use of genetically modified feed, supplements or ingredients, and comes from animals raised according to higher animal welfare standards using sustainable agriculture methods, Superior Fresh said.
AGW has its own set of salmon standards, that it says provide "a way for consumers to avoid GMO salmon, which directly threatens the livelihoods, culture and community of many people dependent upon already-threatened wild fish stocks."
"In the absence of a USDA Organic standard for seafood, we chose to obtain the AGW certifications for Salmon Welfare and GMO-Free to assure our customers that we meet their standards," said Brandon Gottsacker, president of Superior Fresh.
Bashing GM salmon
AGW is touting its Superior Fresh certification in the face of FDA approval of AquaBounty's genetically modified (GM) salmon, set to hit consumer plates next summer.
"Consumers seek out non-GMO products for a variety of reasons, including environmental sustainability, health, corporate consolidation and transparency," AGW said. "A lack of clear labeling around GMOs means that consumers must actively seek out Certified Non-GMO products to avoid them."
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