Norlantic Processors has been awarded Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification for its mussel processing plant in Newfoundland, Canada.
The company operates three mussel farm sites totaling 728ha, and it is looking at pursuing BAP certification for the farms in the future.
The Canadian plant received the certification in late November 2013, the Global Aquaculture Alliance said.
Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) executive director Cyr Couturier said, "Adding the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative)-compliant BAP mussel processing plant standards to the arsenal of third-party certification tools is a testament to this high degree of commitment to demonstrating responsible farming and processing practices."
Norlantic Processors president Terry Mills said, "To be the first in any achievement feels very rewarding. Earning BAP certification is a benchmark for the company's processing plant."
The company produces about one million pounds of blue mussels per year under the NPL brand. The products are supplied to retail and foodservice customers across North America.
