Trader Joes to Sell Only Sustainable Seafood

PASADENA, Calif.All of Trader Joes seafood purchases will shift to sustainable sources by December 31, 2012, according to a statement released on its Web site. They said all formats of seafoodfrozen, fresh, canned, etc.will come from sustainable sources.

The company said the move is an effort to offer seafood options that fit customer needs ranging from food safety and taste to concern over the environment, and they want to addresses customer concerns of over fishing, destructive catch or production methods, and the importance of marine reserves.

In addition to the mandatory Country of Origin and Wild/Farm-Raised information currently provided on Trader Joes seafood  labels, the statement said the company is in the process of enhancing package labeling for all seafood items to include information on species' Latin names, origin, and catch or production method.

It noted it is working with third-party, science-based organizations to establish definitions and parameters.