Revised Haulage Assurance Scheme Standards Launched

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) have strengthened their haulage assurance scheme by making some key additions to the standards document.

New standards cover areas such as wash out facilities, water provision, vehicle signage and flooring.

Members of the scheme will shortly receive this year’s updated, easy to read, standards document which becomes effective from 1st October 2020.

The Haulage Assurance Scheme is an essential element of Quality Meat Scotland’s whole chain assurance which underpins the integrity of the Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork brands and provides reassurance to consumers of provenance, highest standards of production, animal welfare and wellbeing, to deliver a quality eating experience.

The standards behind the six QMS quality assurance schemes – which also cover cattle and sheep, pigs, feeds, auction markets and processors - are reviewed regularly and updated annually to ensure continuous improvements are made to keep pace with legislative, technical and other changes.

Kathryn Kerr, Head of Brands Integrity at Quality Meat Scotland said: “As we emerge from lockdown, consumers are conscious of buying sustainably-produced, quality assured local food. This makes it even more important that our suite of quality assurance standards is as robust as possible.

“Many thanks to the Standard Setting Body who, during this challenging period, gave their time and careful consideration to all feedback received during the review process. Throughout the process we have remained focussed on ensuring the standards are practical and relevant for scheme members but also reinforce consumer trust.”

Members will receive a copy of the updated standards by post in the coming days. The standards are also available to view online by visiting the QMS website.