Yes, ITSU Uses Farmed Salmon
ITSU is very transparent about its sourcing, confirming that it uses sustainably farmed Atlantic salmon. The company states that its fresh, sashimi-grade salmon fillets are delivered daily to its kitchens from trusted partners in Scotland and the clear waters of the Norwegian Fjords. This practice is a deliberate choice to ensure a consistent, high-quality, and safe product for its customers, particularly for dishes served raw.
The Reason Behind the Choice
The decision to use farmed salmon, particularly for sushi, is standard practice across the industry for several key reasons:
- Food Safety: Wild salmon can carry parasites, making it riskier to consume raw. Farmed salmon is raised in controlled environments and fed a specialized diet, which significantly reduces the risk of parasites and makes it safe for raw preparation.
- Consistency: Aquaculture allows for tight control over the salmon's diet, environment, and genetics. This results in a product with a predictable fat content, texture, and flavor profile all year round, something that is difficult to achieve with wild-caught fish.
- Sustainability: Responsible fish farming, when managed well, can reduce pressure on wild fish stocks, which are often under threat from overfishing. ITSU partners with suppliers like Mowi, a company recognized for its sustainability practices.
ITSU's Commitment to Quality
ITSU does not just use any farmed salmon; they partner with one of the world's leading seafood companies, Mowi. Mowi, an industry leader, has received top rankings for its sustainability and high animal welfare standards. This partnership allows ITSU to maintain its stringent quality control over the supply chain, from the farm to the restaurant.
Key aspects of ITSU's salmon sourcing include:
- Sashimi-Grade: ITSU specifies that it receives "sashimi-grade" fillets. This indicates a quality standard specific to raw consumption, which is possible due to the controlled farming process.
- High-Welfare Standards: Through its partnership with Mowi, ITSU ensures the salmon comes from high-welfare farms. A visit by the ITSU team to Mowi's facilities in Scotland confirmed the high standards of production.
- Expert Handling: Once the salmon fillets arrive, ITSU's own fish experts, or 'fish'pros, prepare and slice the fish on-site every day, ensuring maximum freshness.
Comparison of Wild vs. ITSU's Farmed Salmon
| Feature | Wild Salmon (e.g., Alaskan Sockeye) | ITSU Farmed Salmon (Atlantic) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Ocean; caught in the wild from natural habitats. | Controlled aquaculture farms in Scotland and Norway. |
| Diet | Natural diet of krill, small fish, and other organisms. | Controlled, pellet-based diet that minimizes parasite risk and controls nutritional content. |
| Fat Content | Leaner, with a firmer texture due to a more active lifestyle. | Fattier and more buttery in texture, which is often preferred for sushi. |
| Color | A deep, vibrant red-orange color from its natural diet. | Consistent orange-pink color, achieved through the use of natural astaxanthin in the feed. |
| Availability | Seasonal, as it depends on migration patterns and fishing seasons. | Available year-round due to controlled farming environment. |
| Parasite Risk | Higher risk of parasites, requiring proper handling and freezing for raw consumption. | Negligible risk, as farming conditions eliminate the parasite source. |
| Sustainability | Wild stocks face threats from overfishing; sustainability depends on fishery management. | Sourced from sustainably certified operations, reducing pressure on wild populations. |
What This Means for Consumers
For customers concerned about the source of their food, ITSU's open communication about its farmed salmon is a positive step. The transparency allows consumers to make an informed choice, confident that the fish they are eating has been sourced responsibly and with food safety in mind. While some may prefer the taste of wild salmon, ITSU's use of high-welfare, sustainably farmed Atlantic salmon from reputable suppliers like Mowi is a robust and ethical solution for the high volume of fish required by a major restaurant chain. It balances taste, safety, and environmental considerations effectively.
Conclusion
To definitively answer the question, yes, ITSU uses farmed salmon. The salmon is sustainably sourced from Mowi farms in Scotland and Norway, ensuring it is sashimi-grade, safe, and of consistent quality. By being transparent about its sourcing, ITSU provides peace of mind to customers regarding the safety, ethics, and environmental impact of the salmon in its dishes. This practice is in line with modern food safety and sustainability standards for raw fish products. The company's focus on high-welfare partners demonstrates a commitment that extends beyond just the final product. Learn more about ITSU's sourcing policies here.
