SAINSBURY’S SUPERMARKET has become the UK’s first retailer to launch an MSC certified sustainable tuna sandwich after its new range went on sales earlier this week.
With a range of MSC certified pole & line caught sandwiches and salads launching later this month, it follows the retailer’s introduction of MSC certified canned skipjack tuna sourced from the Maldives in 2013.
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fish is sourced from the Maldives using a low-impact pole and line technique where each wild fish is caught individually to reduce by catch. Sainsbury’s previously led the way in 2011 with all own-brand canned tuna including that used as an ingredient being fished using pole and line method.
The new MSC certified Sainsbury’s sandwich range includes:
- Tuna and sweetcorn sandwich
- Tuna mayonnaise sandwich
- Tuna and cucumber sub roll
- Tuna and sweetcorn pasta salad 300g
- Tuna and sweetcorn pasta salad 350g
Ally Dingwall, Sainsbury’s Aquaculture & Fisheries expert said: “We’re always looking for ways to help our customers make sustainable choices. We’re proud that this launch is another example of offering sustainable values along with everyday value.”
Toby Middleton, MSC Senior Country Manager said: “This is a really important move by Sainsbury’s. The UK’s first MSC certified tuna sandwich is a milestone for sustainable seafood. Tuna is a poster child for sustainable seafood and Maldivian pole and line-caught skipjack tuna was MSC certified in 2012. By choosing tuna from the Maldives tuna fishery, Sainsbury’s is supporting artisanal fishermen who have made an international difference to the way the Indian Ocean fishery is managed.”
The move comes as part of Sainsbury’s Sustainability Plan that all the fish we sell will be independently certified as sustainable by 2020.
