A representative from the GSA program integrity department traveled to India to gather more information.
The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) is conducting an investigation following the publication of Corporate Accountability Lab (CAL) and Associated Press reports denouncing labor abuses in the Indian shrimp industry.
Also, GSA confirmed in late March that would pay special attention to shrimp producers which hold Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certificates. Therefore, is likely that short-, medium-, and long-term changes would be made regarding its certifications.
Through a statement published on its website, the certification group explains that a representative from the GSA program integrity department traveled to India and evidence from audit data and internal sources and external investigations has been collected.
The investigation is being focus on the prevalence of pre-processing sites across the Indian shrimp industry and how they are captured in audit reports, traceability of raw source material and worker pay and housing.
Finally, GSA indicates that no final conclusions can be shared at this time and welcomes collaboration from any entity involved.
"My message to the seafood industry today is the same as it is to our employees: Be proud of the work that’s been done and be ready for the work that’s to come," expressed GSA CEO Wally Stevens.
"There is no question that the global seafood industry is in a better place because of the influence of certification schemes like Best Aquaculture Practices," he assured.
