June 9, 2020

Sustainability report categorises 73% of fish, meat and dairy companies as high-risk

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic serves as a wake-up call for modern animal production systems which may potentially contribute to zoonotic diseases risk, according to FAIRR, a network of global investors that aims to create awareness over environmental, social and corporate governance issues.

The organisation also called for "a monumental and coordinated shift in biosecurity training, safety and surveillance… especially in emerging markets."

In a new report, FAIRR assessed meat, seafood and dairy companies against seven factors set within a "pandemic ranking." These factors include deforestation and biodiversity loss; antibiotic use; waste and pollution; animal welfare; working conditions; food safety; and sustainable proteins.

73% of the 60 meat, fish and dairy firms examined were listed as high-risk, with none in the low-risk category, FAIRR claimed.

Most aquaculture companies -- including salmon producers Mowi, Bakkafrost, Lerøy Seafood and Grieg Seafood -- are categorised as medium risk, while pork and poultry and egg companies are categorised as high risk. Four out of the bottom five producers in the pandemic ranking (i.e. those facing the highest level of overall pandemic risk) are poultry and egg companies. Conversely, four out of the top five producers in the ranking are aquaculture companies.

"Aquaculture companies scored significantly higher on average (lower risk) due to stronger performance across all risk factors considered, particularly low risk on antibiotic use, deforestation and biodiversity loss," the report explained.

The report also argued the case for "more sustainable plant-based proteins" that can help offer resilience "where animal protein production has failed."

Compared to livestock production, plant-based proteins do not carry disease risks associated with the former and can be more efficiently produced, the report said, claiming that consumers are becoming more open to plant-based alternatives.

"As COVID-19 continues to disrupt the animal protein supply chain, many plant-based alternatives have been able to compete directly on price for the first time. Additionally, as seen in previous outbreaks, we expect to see retailers and manufacturers increase their use of plant-based proteins to reduce supply chain risks," the report added.

- The Fish Site