Fished in clear waters, frozen at sea and here to stay
More than 90% of fish & chips shops in the UK exclusively use Frozen At Sea (FAS). These stocks are fished from several well-managed, established and highly sustainable fisheries in the North Atlantic.
As we look ahead to the summer (if it ever arrives!) fish and chip lovers across the country are gearing up to enjoy their holidays right here in the UK, just as fish and chip shops gear up for a busy period.
This seems like an ideal time, particularly as we read more and more about the apparent threats to this iconic dish, to reassure consumers that fish & chips is here to stay- because its supply chains are robust and sustainable.
More than 90% of fish & chips shops in the UK exclusively use frozen at sea (FAS) fillets for the cod and haddock they sell. These stocks are fished from several well-managed, established and highly sustainable fisheries in the North Atlantic, the vast majority being imported to the UK by international fleets. These fish and chip shops use FAS fillets because of their high quality and proven criteria for sustainability, and can continue to do so, knowing that these supply chains remain unaffected by any changes to restrictions on fisheries closer to home.
As the representative body for some of the biggest suppliers of cod and haddock from fisheries in Iceland, the Faroes, Russia and Norway, it’s difficult read bleak headlines about the future availability of fish & chips in the UK without becoming frustrated. In truth, industry supply chains are dependable and robust, consistently supplying our shops with produce that is sustainably sourced, high quality - and delicious!
Contrary to recent media coverage, the industry is remarkably resilient, with good stories to shout about. We will continue to work together to do just that, and to ensure that consumers throughout the UK are in no doubt that they can continue to enjoy delicious fish & chips with a clear conscience now and in the future, from their local shop or wherever they may be in the UK this summer.