Multiple welfare certification schemes cover farmed salmon, but they vary significantly in scope and rigor. Understanding the differences helps consumers make welfare-informed choices.
Certification schemes provide different welfare guarantees, and consumers who assume any certification equals high welfare may be misled. RSPCA Assured and equivalent schemes mandate specific welfare outcomes including stunning, stocking density limits, and enrichment. Weaker schemes focus primarily on environmental sustainability or food safety with limited welfare specificity. Consumers seeking to prioritize welfare should look for schemes with mandatory pre-slaughter stunning, stocking density limits, and regular unannounced audits. Welfare certification comparison guides from organizations like CIWF help consumers navigate differences.