Non-GMO Project Verified: Seafood

Non GMO Food Label Guide

This single issue label indicates that feed for farmed fish is produced in a way that does not use GMOs and minimizes possible cross contamination with GMO-derived products during production. Products and their ingredients are either tested for the presence of DNA from genetically modified organisms or audited to ensure they don’t contain products of genetic engineering. 

Because GMOs are so widely used in the food industry, the Non-GMO Project cannot guarantee that products are completely free of GMO residue; however, tested samples of certified feed must routinely contain less than 5% ingredients from GMOs. For ingredients that do not contain enough intact DNA for testing, their production process must be audited to demonstrate low risk of contamination. 

Non-GMO is not necessarily organic (though all organic is non-GMO). It also does not address pesticide or other chemical or drug used in feed.

Requires Verification/Inspection

FoodPrint Label Criteria

Animal Feed Quality

Prohibits direct use of pest controls in feed
Prohibits genetically modified feed
Prohibits animal byproduct in feed
Optimizes fish in/fish out ratio
If used, fish meal certified sustainable
Prohibits synthetic coloring agents

Drug Use

Antibiotics prohibited
Prohibits hormones and other drugs
Prohibits synthetic chemicals (pesticides, parasiticides and fungicides)

Environmental Health and Food Safety

Prohibits open net pens
Requires pathogen testing
Requires contaminant testing (PCBs, mercury)

Fish and Ecosystem Welfare

Ensures optimal stocking densities
Prohibits purse seine nets
Restricts incidental bycatch
Minimizes disruption to ecosystem*

Traceability

Tracking system in place for chain of custody*
Tracking system in place for origin

*Just regarding GMO

Worker Welfare

Prohibits forced labor and human trafficking
Prohibits child labor
Fair/living wages ensured
Health protections

Explore Issues in Seafood