October 8, 2019
Canned Seafood, Who Knew
While traditionally understood as the software division of the Allen Lund Company, the ALC Logistics team in Charlotte does have extensive experience in food supply chain activities. Our participation is quite unique in contrast to that of our counterparts who work directly with perishables at ALC. I often marvel at the number of attributes required to successfully coordinate a single refrigerated truckload of blueberries. Meanwhile, our team has seafood shipments traversing the United States year-round without any temperature control. Startling? How is it done? Consider, it is canned seafood like oysters and sardines or pouches of fish such as tuna and salmon. It may surprise you to learn these can have a shelf life of up to five years. 

According to studies done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture these canned or pouched seafood options can often have higher nutritional content than their fresh counterparts. These can be convenient ways to maintain healthy options while traveling or for more cost-effective meals at home. Nutrients in specific types of seafood can also enhance your personal health. Calcium, for example, plays a vital role in your body from fluid balance and muscle contraction to strong bones. This can come from selecting bone-in fish options such as salmon. Omega 3 fatty acids are often associated with the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease and can be found in sardines. Need some clean protein options that are low in cholesterol? Try tuna or oysters.

If you are not already in the habit of reading your food labels now is a great time to start. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created specific rules regarding nutrition fact labels for packaged foods. With key information displayed, consumers can make more informed food selections. Important information to look for when making your purchases would be serving sizes, calories per serving, and the daily values such as fat, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars. For seafood, you can check what the contents are packed in. Some consumers may prefer water-packed items. Others may prefer oil and have a preference for oil type such as olive versus soybean. 

If you are not certain how to prepare these various seafood items, look no further than the many social media offerings. There is certainly a recipe for every palate and preference. This gives you a chance to try something new and you may even find a favorite or two. You can also work with your physician to establish specific goals and learn how incorporating seafood can help you to achieve and sustain them. And remember, if fresh seafood is ever out of reach, its packaged alternative can likely fulfill your nutritional and gourmet needs.
Jennifer Mackey
Manager, ALC Logistics
Jenn Mackey joined the ALC Logistics team in June of 2018. Mackey has over 20 years of experience in logistics and​ supply chain. She attended the University of North Georgia and received a B.S. in Biology.   
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