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RSPCA Australia withdraws certification of Huon Aquaculture

Today, RSPCA Australia has announced that Huon Aquaculture’s RSPCA Approved certification of farmed Atlantic salmon has been withdrawn following an initial temporary suspension and subsequent investigation.
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  • RSPCA Australia
  • Thursday, 20 March 2025
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Today, RSPCA Australia has announced that Huon Aquaculture’s RSPCA Approved certification of farmed Atlantic salmon has been withdrawn following an initial temporary suspension and subsequent investigation.

On Thursday 6 March 2025, a 14-day suspension of Huon Aquaculture’s certification was implemented following the release of a video depicting the inhumane handling of live fish.

After an investigation, RSPCA Australia advised Huon Aquaculture on 20 March 2025 that their certification had been withdrawn.

RSPCA Australia CEO Richard Mussell said, “RSPCA Approved is the leading farm animal welfare certification program in the country and is underpinned by standards that go well above the minimum legal requirements.”

“While we acknowledge this was a single incident following many years of certification, the decision to withdraw a certification reflects how seriously we take incidents like this that compromise animal welfare,” Mr Mussell said.

“Fish, including those farmed for human consumption, are sentient beings and, like other animals, can experience pain and suffering.

“When they’re farmed for food, the welfare of fish must be front of mind.

“While today’s decision means that there are now currently no producers certified to the RSPCA Approved Standard for salmon, the Standard still exists because salmon are one of the most intensively farmed animals and it’s important that we can demonstrate the measures needed to ensure their welfare is considered.”

RSPCA Australia will continue to drive real and meaningful change for the welfare of millions of animals every day through both our certification program and our advocacy with industry, government and the public to improve animal welfare.

There will be a short period while the RSPCA Approved logo remains on some products due to practical constraints.

For media enquiries, please email [email protected] or call 0419 748 907.

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