The Certified Quality Salmon (CQS) Program

The Certified Quality Salmon (CQS) Program has been in existence for over ten years The Program Standards are specifically designed by Food, Regulatory and Salmon and Environmental Experts using ISO methodologies to accurately describe the intricacies of salmon aquaculture production processes and transparently measure company performance through an internationally recognized certification process.

The Program Standards were initially drafted in Ireland in 1998 by members of the Irish Sea Fisheries Board, Government Regulators, Scientists from the Marine Institute, Fish Farmers and Conformity Experts from Global Trust (an independent Certification Body specializing in ISO standards development and certification processes). The Program Standards were later internationalized by expert Technical Committees to allow applications from salmon companies throughout the world. The Program now has certified membership in Ireland, England, Scotland and Canada.

Program governance and technical integrity is demonstrated through accreditation to the International Standard ISO 65 / EN45011 (General Requirements for Bodies Operating Product Certification Systems).  The Certified Quality Salmon Program maintains this ISO accreditation through an annual external accreditation audit by a National Accreditation Body (INAB) which is a member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).

The Certified Quality Salmon Program is 100% voluntary. Producers choosing to implement the Programs commit to ongoing, transparent third party review of their production practices. And by adopting these best practice standards producers more readily deliver consistent Quality Certified Salmon products to the marketplace. For these reasons, the Certified Quality Salmon Program is increasingly recognized and endorsed by leading retailers and consumers as a comprehensive solution to their needs and tastes.

Specifically, the Certified Quality Salmon Program is comprised of the following Standards:

• Fresh Water Rearing Standard
• Salt Water Rearing Standard
• Salmon Packing and Processing Standard
• Eco-Salmon Standard
• Organic Salmon Standard  (Aligned with EU Organic Regulations)