CPF Targets CPV for 100% IFFO RS Certified Fishmeal by 2022, Citing Slavery-Free Sources

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) has revealed that CP Vietnam Corporation (CPV), an investment arm of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods), announced that both by-catch and by-product fishmeal used in the company’s operation will be certified International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation Responsible Supply (IFFO RS) or IFFO RS Improver Programme (IFFO RS IP) within 2022 to ensure consumers across the world that its products are made from responsible and slavery-free sources.

Dr. Sujint Thammasart, DVM, Chief Operating Officer – Aquaculture Business of CP Foods, told that 100% of by-product fishmeal supplies to CPV’s aquaculture business is now certified IFFO RS. Some of the fishmeal from Vietnam is also shipped to Thailand.

For By-catch fishmeal, CP Foods and CPV are currently taken part in pilot programs of IFFO RS IP to develop a credible criteria for multispecies fisheries in Thailand and Vietnam. Moreover, CPV is engaging with local fishmeal producers to encourage them to join IFFO RS IP. The improver program aims at guiding the suppliers with high potential to apply IFFO RS standard toward sustainable practices.

In order to aid them through the application, CPV has encouraged its fishmeal suppliers to apply for sustainable sourcing policy and guidelines for the business partner. The policy was launched for its partners in Bangkok and extend to Vietnam in late 2017.

“CPV, as CP Foods’ manufacturing arms in Vietnam and a member of Vung Tau (Vietnam) Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), has encouraged our partners to apply for our sourcing policy, which is designed to improve their working process and traceability,” he said.

He also noted that IFFO RS IP program is the first step for the fishmeal factories in Vietnam towards a global recognition.

“Joining the improver program from IFFO that is the leading marine ingredients organization, will enhance the competitiveness of our suppliers. Their products will be globally recognized,” Dr. Sujint said “It will also ensure our clients as well as consumers across the world that our products are made from responsible and slavery-free sources,”

Besides IFFO standards, four of the company’s aquaculture farms in Vietnam have received the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Certification, an international certification standard on sustainable seafood production. The remaining farms are preparing to apply for the certificate.

Also, CPV is working on digital traceability system in shrimp business, which will enable the company to track its fishmeal supply back to the fishing boat.

In Thailand, CP Foods reported 100% of fishmeal used in Thailand’s operations are sourced from the by-products fishmeal which is traceable and sourced from IFFO RS or the IFFO RS IP certified facilities and in accordance with CP Foods’ Fishmeal Sourcing Restrictions.

Additionally, the by-product fishmeal must not include species at risk from extinction as defined by the World Conservation Union: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and be traceable by the third party.