Environment Tasmania has written to Tassal’s Head of Sustainability, Linda Sams, requesting further information about the provider of the astaxanthin the company will use to colour the flesh of their salmon, following the company’s announcement today that it will move to natural salmon feed pigment.
“Industrial processes to produce microbial carotenoids like astaxanthin are often produced by yeasts, using genetically modified strains,” said Laura Kelly, Strategy Director at Environment Tasmania.
“We commend Tassal for responding to consumer concerns. Environment Tasmania would like further information on the source of this colouring, so that we can assure consumers that the astaxanthin companies will now use to colour the flesh of their salmon is not produced using genetic modification.”
“We encourage salmon companies to make this information publicly available on their websites, including details of all of the ingredients contained within their feed products and how these ingredients have been produced and treated.”
“Environment Tasmania would also like to take this opportunity to encourage Tassal to respond to consumer concerns about production in Macquarie Harbour, following the release of Commonwealth Government funded research which demonstrates that farms in Macquarie Harbour are breaching fish welfare conditions.” Ms Kelly said.
Laura Kelly Strategy Director Environment Tasmania
