Friend of the Sea Has Updated Sustainability Labels
New certification labels now include unique identification codes to increase traceability for shoppers.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Organic Food
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Friend of the Sea, the sustainability certification program from the World Sustainability Organization, has introduced updated labels featuring unique identification numbers. These changes aim to improve the transparency and verification of environmental claims on certified products.
Why it matters
These updates align the certification process with Directive (EU) 2024/825, strengthening the traceability of sustainability claims. By providing a digital link between the label and product data, the initiative seeks to bolster consumer confidence in environmental standards.
The Friend of the Sea scheme now covers 22 distinct sustainability standards within its Official Product Claims Register. While the registry currently supports 24 languages, the specific integration rate for the new ID system across all global retail markets remains under development.
The players
Friend of the Sea
A global sustainability certification program managed by the World Sustainability Organization that audits seafood and food products.
World Sustainability Organization
The international non-profit body that oversees the Friend of the Sea certification scheme and sets environmental standards for food production.
The details
The new system requires companies to display a unique FOS ID directly next to or below the Friend of the Sea logo. This ID serves as a digital gateway that links the physical product to verified information regarding its producing company and the current validity of its certification. Manufacturers must obtain formal written approval from the World Sustainability Organization before printing these updated label layouts on any product packaging.
Timeline
The original Friend of the Sea round logo mark was introduced in 2008.
Directive (EU) 2024/825 became applicable in EU member states on 27 September 2026.
Health Landscape
The introduction of unique ID labels reflects a broader push toward mandatory transparency in environmental marketing under Directive (EU) 2024/825. This move marks a shift away from static certification logos toward dynamic, traceable data that allows for more rigorous verification of sustainability standards.
Shoppers can now use the unique FOS ID to verify the legitimacy of environmental claims on food packaging. When assessing products, look for this identifier to confirm that the certification status is current and linked to an authorized manufacturer.
The takeaway
Consumers can increase the reliability of their sustainable shopping choices by prioritizing products that feature unique verification identifiers. Check for the FOS ID on labels to ensure the environmental claim is supported by active, verifiable documentation.
Further reading
For more on the standards governing food production, visit the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hellenic Shipping News.
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