McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish to carry ‘sustainable’ labeling

NEW YORK, N.Y. – McDonald’s says it will be the first national restaurant chain to carry a label from a group that certifies sustainable fishing practices.

The blue “ecolabel” from the Marine Stewardship Council certifies that the Alaskan Pollack used in McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwiches come from suppliers with sustainable fishing practices.

The Marine Stewardship Council also partners with other major chains including Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Whole Foods. The non-profit group is paid a royalty by companies that use its label.

Other groups also offer seafood labeling. Last year, for example, Whole Foods also stopped carrying wild-caught seafood that’s “red-rated.” That indicates it’s either overfished or caught in a way that harms other species. The colour system is determined by the Blue Ocean Institute and the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California.