Surimi. (Photo: Lucky Union Foods)
Thai illegal fishing tarnishes Woolworths sushi
(AUSTRALIA, 12/17/2016)
Seafood caught by Thailand's famed phantom fishing fleet may have contaminated the supply chains of a sushi company operating in more than 165 Woolworths supermarkets.
The Australian chain and its fresh sushi partner, Sushi Izu, are struggling to investigate the allegations, which could contravene the "ethical sourcing" requirements the supermarket giant imposes on suppliers, The Guardian informed.
Besides the accusations related to human rights abuses, Thai vessels allegedly illegally fish in unregulated and unwatched waters throughout Asia and the Pacific, causing significant damage to fragile marine ecosystems.
This week, after a 12-month investigation, Greenpeace showed how the fleet continued to operate in 2015.
The group tracked seafood to Pacific Marine Food Products, a company producing a base for surimi, or fish paste, which was in turn supplied to a processor, Lucky Union Foods.
One of the companies that bought surimi from Lucky Union was a US-based sushi franchise, Advanced Fresh Concepts (AFC), which operates 3,300 sushi bars in North America, The Guardian's article points out.
AFC has strong links to Woolworths and Australia, which were not explored in Greenpeace’s report.
Woolworths issued a short statement to Guardian Australia on Friday, confirming that it was investigating the allegations.
Related article:
- Greenpeace uncovers Thai’s fleet manoeuvre to avoid regulations
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Information of the company:
Address:
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1 Woolworths Way
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City:
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Bella Vista
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State/ZIP:
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NSW, 2153 (2153)
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Country:
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Australia
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Phone:
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+61 1300 767 969
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More about:
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