How to use this document
The document has been divided into sections which correspond to Criteria in the Standard. Each section has the following structure:
- Which Feed Standard Criterion does this apply to?
- What is the intent of this Criterion?
- Which RUoC sections need considering? (if applicable)
- How do I interpret the Requirements?
- Auditor considerations (if auditor specific guidance is applicable)
- Useful resources (if applicable)
Although the document has been divided between sections to easily look up a specific Criterion, it is useful and recommended for all users of the Standard to read all sections to fully understand the requirements and expectations for implementation and verification.Key definitions mentioned in the Standard and RUoC are linked to the ASC Vocabulary Portal, when first cited, so that users can better understand the interpretation of the ASC Requirements.
What do the different coloured boxes mean?
An orange box with a magnifying glass signifies that the Criterion must be included in the feed mill’s Supplier Code of Conduct for their ingredient manufacturers (Indicators 2.1.3 and 2.1.4) as well as the ingredient manufacturer’s Supplier Code of Conduct for their suppliers (Indicator 2.1.8). The guidance and interpretation of the Criterion is to be followed by the feed mill’s ingredient manufacturers, as well as their suppliers, excluding any reporting requirements e.g., Indicator 1.21.2 calculation and reporting of energy consumption.
Supplier Code of Conduct:
The Criterion must be included in the feed mill’s Supplier Code of Conduct for their ingredient manufacturers (Indicators 2.1.3 and 2.1.4) as well as the ingredient manufacturer’s Supplier Code of Conduct for their suppliers (Indicator 2.1.8). The guidance and interpretation of the Criterion is to be followed by the feed mill’s ingredient manufacturers, as well as their suppliers.
A red box with a magnifying glass signifies that the Criterion also applies to the feed mill’s ingredient manufacturers (marine-based, plant-based, and other feed stuffs), as well as the primary marine and plant raw material production, as per Criterion 2.2.
Due Diligence:
The guidance outlined below applies equally to all ingredient manufacturers (2.2.5) and primary raw material production (2.2.6). The mill must undertake Due Diligence of its ingredient manufacturers in line with Indicator (2.2.5).
A blue box with a question mark provides further explanation of a key term or an example of how it is applied.
What is freedom of association and collective bargaining?
The right to freedom of association is the right to join a formal or informal group to take collective action towards the employer. Collective bargaining is a voluntary negotiation between employers and organizations of employees to establish the terms and conditions of employment by means of written collective agreements. Typically, such agreements cover wages, working hours and working conditions.
A teal box with a check mark goes beyond ASC expectations and provides further explanation or an example of better practices providing for continual improvement.
What do better practices look like?
The feed mill provides a blank format of the payslip/paystub, detailing/explaining each item, and posts copies at key locations accessible to employees.
The feed mill also develops policies and programmes to improve business planning, thereby avoiding the need for temporary contracts and enhance job security for employees.
It is important to note that not all the Standard Indicators or Certification Requirements for the Unit of Certification (RUoC) need clarifications or further information. Additionally, although the management system requirements are summarised for Criterion 1.2, all users should use a holistic management system approach to implementing all other Indicators and Requirements of the Standard and RUoC as well.
Who is a user of this document?
When we refer to ‘all users’ throughout this document, this encompasses:
- The feed mill, including key staff responsible for the implementation and continued compliance with ASC Requirements;
- Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), including key staff such as auditors, technical reviewers and certification officers;
- Stakeholders providing input into the certification process.
Any user who would like to provide feedback on this Interpretation Manual can contact ASC through standards@asc-aqua.org