What kind of fish does McDonald’s use? This question has sparked considerable interest among consumers and environmentalists alike. McDonald’s, being one of the largest fast-food chains in the world, has a significant impact on the seafood industry. Understanding the kind of fish used by the company is crucial in assessing its sustainability practices and the environmental footprint of its menu items.
The primary fish used by McDonald’s for its Filet-O-Fish sandwich is Alaskan Pollock. Alaskan Pollock is a species of fish found in the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean. It is a highly sustainable choice due to its abundant population and the responsible fishing practices employed in its harvesting. The Alaskan Pollock fishery is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which ensures that the fishery is managed in a way that is environmentally sustainable.
The use of Alaskan Pollock for the Filet-O-Fish is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the company’s bottom line. Alaskan Pollock is a cost-effective fish, making it an attractive option for a fast-food giant like McDonald’s. However, it is essential to note that while Alaskan Pollock is a sustainable choice, the company’s overall seafood sustainability efforts are still a subject of debate.
McDonald’s has faced criticism for its lack of transparency regarding its seafood sourcing. While the company has made efforts to improve its sustainability practices, many consumers and environmentalists argue that it has not done enough to ensure the sustainability of all its seafood products. For instance, the company’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich also contains fish fillers derived from other species, such as tilapia and whitefish. The sustainability of these species and their sourcing practices is not as well-documented as that of Alaskan Pollock.
To address these concerns, McDonald’s has committed to sourcing all of its seafood from sustainable sources by 2020. The company has set specific goals for improving its seafood sustainability, including increasing the percentage of MSC-certified seafood and reducing the amount of fish from fisheries with negative environmental impacts. However, critics argue that these goals are not ambitious enough and that McDonald’s should be doing more to promote sustainable fishing practices across its entire supply chain.
In conclusion, while McDonald’s uses Alaskan Pollock for its Filet-O-Fish sandwich, which is a sustainable choice, the company’s overall seafood sustainability efforts are still a topic of concern. As one of the largest fast-food chains in the world, McDonald’s has a significant role to play in promoting sustainable fishing practices and ensuring the environmental impact of its menu items is minimized. It remains to be seen whether the company will meet its goals and continue to improve its seafood sustainability efforts in the coming years.
