Hanford, California (PRWEB) July 31, 2012
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that the aquaculture industry has produced enough fish to provide 15 percent of the world’s animal protein intake. More specifically, the industry has produced a record-breaking 128 million tons of fish. Global Food Technologies(GFT) recognizes that, as such a large sector, the field of aquaculture plays a major part in food safety and production as well as the economy and employment rates. As such, GFT believes that the responsible management of aquaculture is integral to food safety and sustainability.
The FAO's report sheds light on many important facts: "The livelihoods of 12 percent of the world's population depend directly or indirectly upon them [fisheries and aquaculture]. Fisheries and aquaculture give an important contribution to food security and nutrition. They are a primary source of protein for much of the world's population and nearly a quarter in the case of low-income food-deficit countries."
In its report, the FAO encourages governments to enhance efforts to create sustainable fisheries while providing safe food to consumers. The organization cites ineffective management as the primary threat to the aquaculture industry.
Keith Meeks, President and CEO of Global Food Technologies, believes that the seafood industry can aid in repopulating overexploited seafood through responsible aquaculture management. In fact, GFT is a leader of the "greening of aquaculture" movement in China through its work at two production facilities.
"Good practices, transparency, accountability, and social responsibility are key factors that will contribute to the sustainability of the seafood industry," remarks Meeks. "Sustainability and growth are not mutually exclusive."
Currently, production growth within the aquaculture industry is outpacing population growth. As the fastest growing animal-based food producing field, the aquaculture industry is expected to continue along this trend. GFT is dedicated to assisting the supply chain in the countries that are responsible for this growth, such as China, in reassessing their operational processes and implementing proprietary procedures that contribute to a more sustainable business model.
GFT agrees with the FAO report's statement that aquaculture stakeholders need to set minimum substantive criteria and hold organizations accountable for meeting this criteria. The development of certification standards and guidelines will move the industry toward sustainability. GFT's experience in microbial reduction and oversight of operational procedures including HACCP, SSOP’s, GPM’s, and testing protocols at the source assists in this endeavor.
Global Food Technologies is committed to enhancing food safety to reduce cases of food poisoning and improve overall human health. GFT believes that the recommendations of the FAO will lead to more responsible aquaculture management.
Global Food Technologies provides on-site food safety processes through the implementation of proprietary technologies and operational procedures. Global Food Technologies’ mission is to apply its advanced science to the proprietary design, development, and production of commercial products and services to improve food processing methods and food safety results.