Packham follows up on Wagamama, criticises GlobalGAP certification

TV presenter and UK RSPCA president Chris Packham has followed up on his earlier appraisal of restaurant chain Wagamama. In an open letter Packham and two leading conservation groups criticize Wagamama's reliance on GlobalGAP certification.

The open letter says that "pointing to GlobalGAP as a way to demonstrate Wagamama is adhering to high standards is problematic, as GlobalGAP fails to address the 'food-feed' competition. This standard currently only requires 60% of FMFO [Fish Meal and Fish Oil] contained within certified feed to be from approved 'sustainable' sources, opening the door to outright harmful supply chains. Recording the origin of FMFO is only required 'where possible', allowing for untraceable and damaging sourcing. Further, any contribution to overall demand for FMFO, regardless of certification, where total demand already outstrips what can be sustainably supplied, contributes to overfishing and food insecurity."

Jessica Sinclair Taylor, Deputy Director of Feedback, added that "Wagamama's move to Scottish farmed salmon does nothing to address the huge and systemic problems within the toxic salmon farming industry. Like their Norwegian counterparts, this is an industry plagued with mass mortalities, wasteful feeding practices and an over-reliance on flawed certifications. If Wagamama are truly serious about 'treading more lightly on the earth' they must take farmed salmon off the menu now."

The open letter is signed by Packham, UK and Netherlands environmental food group Feedback, and Wildfish Scotland.

Read the full report in the National Scotland.