For several months, we have been conducting an investigation of the shrimp company, Choice Canning. Choice Canning has passed audits by SGS for Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification and for Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS) certification. Part of that investigation has involved an ongoing conversation with a former Choice Canning employee who managed a plant for the company in Andhra Pradesh. We began talking while they were still on staff with Choice Canning and we have continued the dialogue since they stepped down from their position with the company. This person…

We understand that some aspects of the BAP certification process in India are contracted to SGS. The piece touches on a number of issues of concern about the BAP certification process in India, on which we believe to be in the public interest to report. We are writing to give you the opportunity to comment on them. We will consider any response for inclusion in the piece. Please reply by 1pm ET on Monday March 18 if you would like us to do so.

The issues of concern include: A forthcoming report by the Corporate Accountability Lab, an advocacy group, which argues that the BAP auditing process…

We have received your request for information. Below you will find our responses.

1. While we understand that you might not be aware of any of the above issues, does SGS have any comment or statement to make in response to this email? With regard to the issues mentioned in the mail communication dated 11 th March 2024, please find our responses which may clarifies our stance on certain point raised.

2. When did SGS most recently conduct an audit of Choice Canning’s facilities in Andhra Pradesh? SGS audits are protected by client contract. We cannot provide this type of information.

3.…

Thanks for your reply to our query. Could you clarify a couple of points for us:

In your response to question 4, you said that “No external /offsite peeling sheds were declared for the BRC GS Food audit by the client in the signed contract.” Is the client you are referring to here Choice Canning or BAP?

In your response to question 5 in which we asked "Are SGS auditors still producing site reviews for Choice Canning's internal use?" you said that “no certification reports are being shared with the client for internal use.” Can SGS confirm or deny if it has been producing reviews or reports…