Whole Foods Market employs new Seafood Code of ConductWhole Foods Market employs new Seafood Code of Conduct

Whole Foods Market has a new Seafood Code of Conduct, advancing the company’s commitment to human rights and worker welfare in the global seafood supply chain, the natural grocer announced Tuesday. The new policy strengthens protections for fishers and vessel crew and increases standards for ethical labor practices and supply chain transparency.

The Code includes 11 provisions and applies to all Whole Foods suppliers of fresh, frozen, canned and sushi seafood products and suppliers that work with seafood supply chains. Key provisions include:

The Code is a noteworthy advancement in an industry rife with documented human rights abuses. "This isn’t just a one-time announcement — it’s an ongoing effort to raise the industry standard for human rights, responsible sourcing, and supply chain transparency. Working together with our industry peers, we can create a fairer, safer, and more ethical seafood industry for everyone,” said Jason Buechel, chief executive officer of Whole Foods Market. On Monday, Whole Foods Market's parent company, Amazon, announced that Buechel has also been named vice president of Worldwide Grocery Stores.

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In addition to the new Code of Conduct, Whole Foods has partnered with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch to encourage the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission to adopt stronger labor protections, such as measures to enhance crew welfare and tuna stock management based on scientific data.  Whole Foods aims to create impactful change in the grocery industry and establish high industry standards. Learn more about Whole Food's seafood standards here.

Source: Whole Foods Market