What does MSC fish mean? The blue MSC ecolabel tells consumers that seafood comes from a fishery certified as sustainable against the Marine Stewardship Council Fisheries Standard. For that claim to reach the shelf, every company that handles the product must also be certified.
Fishery certification and chain of custody
There are two separate MSC certificates. The Fisheries Standard assesses a fishery's stock health, its impact on the ecosystem and its management. The Chain of Custody Standard applies to every business that buys, processes, packs or sells certified seafood, and ensures certified product is identified, kept separate and traceable.
Why it matters to buyers
If any link in the chain is not certified, the product loses its right to carry the MSC label. Retailers selling MSC-labelled products therefore need suppliers with valid chain-of-custody certification and clear documentation for each delivery.
Documents to request
- The supplier's chain-of-custody certificate code and its scope.
- Invoices and delivery notes that identify the product as MSC certified.
- The species, catch area and certified fishery of origin.
Ordering MSC seafood from Gialmar
Gialmar holds MSC chain-of-custody certification. Not every species or lot we trade comes from a certified fishery, so always ask our sales team to confirm MSC status for the specific product, size and quantity you need before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Are all Gialmar products MSC certified?
No. Only lines from certified fisheries can be sold as MSC. We confirm status per product and lot.
What is the difference between MSC and Friend of the Sea?
Both certify sustainable seafood but are run by different organisations with different standards. Gialmar is MSC certified and working towards Friend of the Sea.
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