ASC Farm Standard v1.0.1: Traceability and Product Segregation Requirements

Traceability System Requirements Under ASC Farm Standard v1.0.1

The ASC Farm Standard Interpretation Manual v1.0.1 (September 2025) introduces detailed guidance on traceability and product segregation requirements under Criterion 1.4. These requirements establish a streamlined approach for farms to maintain separation of certified and non-certified products throughout all production stages, from larval/juvenile stock through to final dispatch.

Core Traceability Obligations

Unit of Certification (UoC) operators must develop, implement, and maintain a traceability system covering all sites. According to Indicator 1.4.2 in ASC-INT-001, this system must ensure six specific conditions are met:

• Only larvae and juveniles conforming to Criterion 1.5 requirements are used to produce certified product
• All stocked animals are traceable back to the supplier
• All batches of ASC certified and non-certified product are identifiable and segregated at all sites and at all times, including during production while fish are alive
• All batches of ASC certified product are traceable at all times to the site(s) and production unit(s) used
• Corrective actions are taken if non-conforming product is identified, sold, or dispatched
• Accompanying documentation identifies product sold or dispatched as either ASC certified or non-certified

The manual explicitly states that certified and non-certified products must remain identifiable and segregated at all sites and at all times within the UoC. This requirement extends to the production stage while animals are alive, not only at harvest or processing.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Indicator 1.4.1 requires UoCs to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks of mixing and substituting ASC certified products with non-certified products at all sites. The manual allows operators to use the Risk Assessment Method outlined in Appendix 3 of the ASC Farm Standard, Section 3.2, to perform this evaluation. The interpretation guidance emphasises that the UoC bears responsibility for ensuring it mitigates substitution and mixing risks throughout operations.

Non-Certified Product Handling

The manual clarifies that UoCs may decide to sell products as non-certified. When this occurs, products must be identified as non-certified when sold or dispatched. This approach allows farms flexibility in product management while maintaining full transparency in the supply chain and to end buyers.

Supply Chain Documentation and Stock Status Records

Beyond the farm gate, Indicators 1.5.1 and 1.5.2 establish supply chain mapping and stock tracking requirements. UoCs must map their supply chain using the ASC Supply Chain Mapping Template provided on the ASC website. This mapping extends from broodstock sites onwards, ensuring complete visibility of product origin.

Additionally, UoCs must only stock ASC certifiable product if it is accompanied by a completed ASC Stock Status Record, also provided on the ASC website. The manual notes that this record holds batch-specific information on products moving through the supply chain, including data on origin of broodstock, treatments applied, feed used, and ASC certification status.

Compound Feed Traceability

For UoCs using compound feed, Indicator 1.4.3 requires demonstration that feed products conform to specific conditions. The originating feed mill must hold valid certification against the ASC Feed Standard with appropriate scope relating to the ASC Production Model (Mass Balance or Segregation). Feed must be traceable as ASC-conforming throughout all steps between the feed mill and the farm site. Documentation accompanying the feed must identify it as ASC-conforming and specify which production model was applied. For Segregation Production Model feed, the product must be identifiable by a distinct feed name in formal documentation and listed on the feed mill certificate schedule.

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Disclosure

Indicator 1.4.4 imposes a disclosure requirement for farms using compound feed. UoCs must disclose to all buyers of their ASC certified product when a product's feed contains more than 0.9% Genetically Modified Organisms or macro ingredients produced from GMO. The manual clarifies that such disclosure may be provided to buyers individually or collectively, and public disclosure, while possible, is not required.

Restrictions on Antibiotic-Treated Products

Indicator 1.4.5 establishes specific restrictions. UoCs must not sell or dispatch the following as ASC certified: crustaceans treated with antibiotics at the UoC, or any product treated with antimicrobials listed as Critically Important Antimicrobials for Human Medicine by the World Health Organisation (WHO), at any stage in the lifecycle of the product. The manual requires UoCs to maintain detailed records of any antibiotic treatments applied prior to the UoC and to implement a process ensuring such products are not sold or dispatched as ASC certified.

Veterinary Therapeutant Disclosure

Indicator 1.4.6 requires UoCs to disclose to buyers of their ASC certified product, upon request, a list of all veterinary therapeutants applied to the product. This transparency measure enables downstream supply chain partners and final buyers to make informed decisions about product sourcing and use.

Data Submission and Reporting

Indicator 1.4.7 mandates that UoCs report to ASC the production volumes and sales/dispatch volumes of ASC certified and non-certified products originating from each site. UoCs must also submit specified traceability data when requested, according to ASC data submission procedures. This reporting requirement ensures ASC maintains oversight of certified product volumes and can verify traceability system effectiveness.

Auditor Verification Approach

The manual specifies that auditors must verify effective traceability and segregation systems are in place by examining risk assessments, mitigation actions, and outcomes of input-output exercises and traceability tests. Auditors should crosscheck supply chain mapping with purchase records to confirm accuracy and completeness.

The interpretation guidance emphasises that these traceability and segregation requirements relieve the need for separate Chain of Custody certification to cover farming activities, streamlining the certification process while maintaining robust product integrity controls.

This article summarises ASC-INT-001-ASC-Farm-Standard-Interpretation-Manual-V1.0.1-September-2025.pdf. Refer to the original document for the authoritative text and full requirements.