Campaigners attack government for buying endangered fish in public sector

21st January 2011, 11:26am

Campaigners have attacked the government for spending taxpayers' money on endangered fish after it was revealed that four out of five fish served in public sector institutions will not have to meet any sustainability standards.

The figures were revealed after the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs published new proposals to introduce mandatory sustainability standards for only 20% of seafood bought by the public sector.

Campaigners are outraged that the new fish standards will not apply to all of the public sector. All hospitals and schools, for example, will be excluded from the plans completely.

Under the new proposals, only one out of every five fish purchased in public institutions will have to meet sustainability standards which ensure that fish is not from endangered stocks and has been caught in a way that does not harm the marine ecosystem.

All other fish purchased by public institutions will not be required to meet any sustainability standards at all and can be purchased from any unidentified source.

The figures were published on the day that the Public Bodies Sustainable Food Bill, which would introduce mandatory health and sustainability standards for all food served in the public sector, is due to receive its second reading in Parliament. The Bill was introduced by Joan Walley MP for Stoke-On-Trent North and aims to improve the quality, health and sustainability of all food served by public institutions.

MP Joan Walley said: "It is simply unacceptable that public money is being spent on endangered seafood for consumption in public institutions. As a matter of urgency, I am calling on government to support my Bill which would address this problem by introducing clear, legal standards for all food served in the public sector."

Alex Jackson, co-ordinator of the Good Food for Our Money Campaign, added: "Thanks to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall there is growing awareness about the danger posed to our most loved fish species. It is shocking that the government will continue to allow the purchase of endangered fish for meals served in hospitals, schools and care homes across the country.

"Instead of contributing to the problem the government must take the lead in showing solutions, particularly because this food is being bought with taxpayers' money."

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