Retailers, and their suppliers, are being encouraged to promote the health benefits of Scottish farmed salmon to consumers, with the attraction of 50% match funding on offer.
“As the Joint Health Claims Initiative (JHCI)1 has ruled that oil-rich fish can be promoted to consumers with a positive message about its beneficial effects on the heart, coupled with the offer of financial assistance, there has never been a better time to promote Scottish Farmed Salmon,” explained Brian Simpson, Chief Executive of Scottish Quality Salmon.
Research conducted last year confirmed that there was a general vagueness about the actual health benefits of oil-rich fish, with only 28% of those who regularly ate fish recognising that it contained the health enhancing omega-3 fatty acids. This supports the Food Standards Agency’s view that, on average, people in the UK eat only a third of a portion of oil-rich fish a week and seven out of ten don't eat any fish at all.
“Consumers need to be encouraged to eat more Scottish Farmed Salmon as it can have a tremendous impact on heart health as well as general health. It is a massive challenge for producers, suppliers and retailers that so many people are still missing out on the health benefits of Scottish Farmed Salmon. That said, it is exceptionally healthy, it is really tasty and it is simple to cook – and funding is available to promote these benefits!” added Brian Simpson.
The funding is both cash and time limited, with all activities to be completed by the end of March 2006. All interested parties should register their interest with Scottish Quality Salmon as soon as possible.
The Joint Claims Health Initiative (JHCI) is a joint venture between consumer organizations, enforcement authorities and industry trade associations in the UK to establish a Code of Practice for health claims on food.
Scottish Quality Salmon is dedicated to improving the quality and sustainability of salmon farming in Scotland – from feed companies through to salmon smokers and processors – the whole production chain. Membership now represents 65% of the tonnage produced by the Scottish salmon farming industry.
