located varies widely. Due to so many variables in fish farming, HWFC strives to educate and inform customers to choose seafood that’s farmed in healthier ways and has a less devastating impact on the environment. With that, we give a high consideration to those rated ‘Best Choice’ by Seafood Watch program when purchasing farmed fish for our customers. “Seafood Watch standards consist of guiding principles, science-based criteria, and a robust scoring methodology, that are regularly updated with the help of fisheries and aquaculture experts to ensure they incorporate the latest science and understanding of sustainability. They play a critical role in helping to create an assessment of a fishery or aquaculture operation, which in turn helps shape our seafood recommendations.” Of concern is the high rate of plant-based grain ingredients (GMO soy and corn, wheat, all likely contaminated with chemicals and additives we strive to avoid) used in farm-raised fish feed, that is slowly replacing traditional feed made from overfished wild fish and fish oils. This may impact the health benefits of certain types of fish, thus diminishing the health benefits to the consumer.
12.4
What HWFC Promotes ▪
Transparency of sourcing: traceability to the fishery, transparency of farming practices and ecological impact studies.
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Farmed fish fed a diet that is as close as possible to what that species would feed on in the wild.
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Farmed fish rated “Best Choice” from Seafood Watch, and selected by HWFC that is well managed, caught, and farmed in ways that cause little harm to habitats or other wildlife.
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Farmed fish raised in a facility that has a Veterinarian on staff, and is regulated by a recommended certifying agency.
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Farmed fish that are raised in a facility that is clean, sanitary, and free of chemicals and pollution.
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Farmed fish that are raised in water that is fresh and free flowing, giving fish room to swim and exercise as much as possible, as they would in the wild.
12.5
13.
What HWFC Prohibits and Shall Not Knowingly Sell ▪
Seafood Watch Avoid Choices: these species are overfished and farmed in ways that harm other marine life or the environment.
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Any farmed fish that is genetically modified.
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Management shall promptly remove any product found to be out of compliance with the above.
Prepared Foods Policy
The Prepared Foods Department follows the guidelines set forth elsewhere in this Food and Product Manual. Additionally: ▪
Organic bread choice shall be offered for sandwiches, in addition to existing offering, at an appropriate surcharge to account for higher cost if necessary.
Food and Product Manual Adopted 1/29/17
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