Whole Foods Market Introduces Groundbreaking Seafood Code of Conduct to Strengthen Human Rights and Ethical Sourcing
Whole Foods Market has taken a significant step toward improving social responsibility in the seafood industry with the launch of its new Sourcing Seafood Code of Conduct. This initiative is designed to safeguard human rights, enhance labor protections, and increase transparency within its global seafood supply chain. By establishing stricter standards for fishers, vessel crews, and suppliers, Whole Foods Market is reinforcing its commitment to ethical business practices and setting an example for the industry at large.
The newly introduced Sourcing Seafood Code of Conduct builds on the company’s industry-leading Quality Standards, strengthening protections for those working in the seafood sector. This move aligns with globally recognized human rights frameworks, including the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Work in Fishing Convention. By integrating these standards, Whole Foods Market ensures that all seafood suppliers—from vessel owners to processors and distributors—uphold fair labor practices and contribute to the company’s long-term goal of promoting sustainability and continuous improvement across its supply chain.
A Commitment to Ethical Sourcing and Worker Protections
Whole Foods Market has long been a leader in responsible seafood sourcing. With the launch of the Sourcing Seafood Code of Conduct, the company aims to address widespread concerns over human rights abuses in the seafood industry, such as forced labor, unsafe working conditions, and unfair wages. By implementing rigorous new standards, Whole Foods Market is taking proactive steps to improve labor conditions and support those who contribute to the global seafood supply chain.
“Leading with purpose has always been at the heart of Whole Foods Market, and our new Seafood Code of Conduct is an extension of that commitment,” said Jason Buechel, Chief Executive Officer of Whole Foods Market. “This isn’t just a one-time announcement—it’s an ongoing effort to raise the industry standard for human rights, responsible sourcing, and supply chain transparency. Working together with our industry peers, we can create a fairer, safer, and more ethical seafood industry for everyone.”
Key Provisions of the Seafood Code of Conduct
The Seafood Code of Conduct applies to fresh, frozen, and canned seafood suppliers, including sushi products, and establishes clear commitments in key areas such as working conditions, recruitment practices, and labor protections. Some of the most notable provisions include:
1. Maximum Working Hours and Time at Sea
- All work and rest hours must align with ILO Fishing Convention standards.
- Fishing vessels are required to dock at port at least once every 11 months to allow crew members time off from long expeditions at sea.
2. Ethical Recruitment Practices
- Recruitment fees, which often contribute to exploitative labor conditions, are strictly prohibited.
- Workers must be provided with clear, written employment contracts that outline fair compensation, working hours, and job responsibilities.
3. Communication Access for Crew Members
- Workers aboard fishing vessels must have access to communication channels, ensuring they can stay in touch with family members, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and worker representatives.
- Vessels are encouraged to install Wi-Fi onboard to improve access to information and worker welfare.
4. Health and Safety on Vessels
- Fishing crews must be provided with comprehensive safety training and protective equipment (PPE).
- Access to medical care, sufficient food, and clean drinking water must be guaranteed for all workers onboard.
The Seafood Code of Conduct reflects Whole Foods Market’s deep commitment to advancing labor rights, eliminating worker exploitation, and fostering transparency in its supply chain. The company’s leadership hopes that these guidelines will serve as a model for other retailers and suppliers to follow, ultimately improving conditions across the global seafood industry.
Industry Experts Praise Whole Foods Market’s Leadership
Whole Foods Market’s initiative has garnered strong support from industry experts and advocacy organizations.
“Congratulations to Whole Foods Market for delivering a cutting-edge Seafood Code of Conduct that focuses on workers’ needs and rights, explicitly outlining their stance on key, emerging topics, including responsible recruitment and Wi-Fi on vessels,” said Kelley K. Bell, Social Responsibility Division Director at Fishwise. “There should be no confusion about the expectations of those that are a part of the Whole Foods Market seafood supply chain.”
Raising the Bar for Industry Standards
For years, Whole Foods Market has been recognized as a pioneer in responsible seafood sourcing, working with fisheries that uphold the highest sustainability standards. By implementing this new policy, the company is further demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility while urging other industry players to take similar measures.
Whole Foods Market has also played an active role in advocating for stronger industry-wide protections. Most recently, the company worked alongside Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, urging the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) to adopt new labor protections. These efforts included:
- Promoting the use of electronic monitoring (EM) to track vessel activity and prevent labor abuses.
- Pushing for enhanced crew welfare protections to ensure safe and fair working conditions.
- Supporting the implementation of science-based targets for sustainable tuna stock management.
These initiatives reinforce Whole Foods Market’s role as a responsible leader in the seafood industry, continuously working to set higher ethical standards and improve transparency within the supply chain.
Encouraging Industry-Wide Change
Whole Foods Market recognizes that the challenges in the seafood industry cannot be solved by one company alone. To drive real and lasting change, the company is encouraging other retailers, suppliers, and industry leaders to adopt similar labor protections. By working collaboratively, businesses can help ensure that workers across the seafood sector are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Whole Foods Market’s Seafood Code of Conduct is more than just a policy—it is a call to action. The company is setting an example through its concrete actions, rigorous supplier requirements, and continuous advocacy for higher standards. As the industry evolves, Whole Foods Market will continue to implement and refine these ethical sourcing standards, ensuring that seafood workers worldwide benefit from fair treatment, safe conditions, and improved livelihoods.
The Future of Ethical Seafood Sourcing
Whole Foods Market’s efforts in responsible seafood sourcing do not stop with the Seafood Code of Conduct. The company is dedicated to:
- Ongoing supplier evaluations to ensure compliance with new standards.
- Expanding partnerships with organizations advocating for fair labor and human rights.
- Continuing to invest in technology, such as electronic monitoring, to increase supply chain transparency.
As Whole Foods Market leads the way, it challenges other businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders to prioritize ethical seafood sourcing and take tangible steps toward eradicating labor exploitation within the industry.
With this new Seafood Code of Conduct, Whole Foods Market is charting a course toward a more ethical, transparent, and socially responsible seafood industry—one where workers are treated fairly, human rights are upheld, and consumers can trust that their seafood choices align with their values.
