Carrefour : Belgium decides to stop selling pangasius

Carrefour Belgium has decided to stop stocking pangasius and to discontinue sales of this particular fish in both its fresh seafood (fish counter and self-service) and frozen foods sections. This decision affects both its own-brand products, as well as those of national brands.

The practice of consuming pangasius has been drawing criticism for a number of years now. Carrefour has always taken all necessary precautions to ensure that the merchandise that it sells is of a high quality. It does this by holding its suppliers to the strict requirements detailed in the specifications that it imposes on them and by carrying out regular checks at farms and production sites.

However, although Carrefour is absolutely certain that the quality of the pangasius that it has been selling has been impeccable, the impact that these fish farms has been having on the environment cannot be controlled (water pollution generated by large quantities of excreta and food waste).
Carrefour Belgium has tried to create an ASC-certified supply line (guaranteeing sustainable aquaculture), but its efforts have not proved satisfactory.

Given the continuing doubts plaguing the harmful consequences that pangasius fish farms have on the environment, Carrefour has decided to discontinue pangasius sales. Carrefour Belgium has already cancelled its orders. There is still some stock of frozen fish remaining in a number of stores. This will still be sold, but henceforth, pangasius will no longer be available at fresh fish counters (fish counters and self-service sections).

In France, Carrefour also stopped selling the pangasius to fresh fish counters.