Pangasisus is safe claims Findus

In a statement the company said they regarded Stevenson’s speech as potentially misleading. Stephen Taylor, seafood category director for Findus Group said: “Naturally we share his concerns that the rapid growth of aquaculture in developing countries requires proper management. That’s why major brands such as ours – together with retailers throughout the UK, wider EU and Scandinavia - take great care in ensuring that their aquaculture products are sourced responsibly.” He claimed Pangasius (also known as basa) imported by reputable suppliers is most definitely a safe, high quality product, produced in compliance with internationally recognised standards.

“From our point of view (and line with our overall Fish for Life objectives) we have spent considerable time and effort to develop and implement rigorous Codes of Practice for Pangasius. Our Vietnamese supplier holds BRC, IFS and GlobalGap, ISO9001:2000 and ISO14001:2004 certification - plus has been an active participant in the WWF dialogue programme thus indicating total commitment to GMP, GAP and responsible environmental management. Indeed this supplier is in line to become one of the first to achieve ASC certification for pangasius. “In terms of social accountability, we are also rigorous about standards and work closely with our suppliers to ensure good working conditions and labour practices. Nevertheless, we don’t take any of this for granted and recognize that we must do all we can to encourage best practice across the wider industry, not just our suppliers. “The Mekong Delta is not the environmental disaster Mr. Stevenson implies although it does of course require sustainable management. We can be confident that Pangasius produced in the Mekong is a safe, high quality product which is ideal for the needs of the European market,” he said.