Scottish meat plants gain Scottish SPCA accreditation

Two Scottish meat processing plants have become the latest to be approved by the Scottish SPCA for their pork production and pig welfare standards.

Rhinds of Elgin, part of Dunbia, and John M Munro in Dingwall were recently accredited by the national animal welfare charity. The accreditation means that they and their customers can now use the “Specially Selected Pork Approved by the Scottish SPCA” label on their products.

These latest approvals mean that more than 95% of the pork produced in Scotland is now able to carry the branding.

Raymond Wight, General Manager at Dunbia, said: “Assurance and welfare are a top priority for our customers. The accreditation now enables their products to carry a clearly understood guarantee of world class welfare standards.

“In our discussions with the Scottish SPCA they highlighted that welfare was always a high priority for shoppers and this new labelling will enable consumers to buy Dunbia pork with certainty.”

Charlie Munro, Managing Director of John M Munro, said: “At John M Munro Ltd we are determined to source only the best for our customers, so we are delighted to be able to offer Scottish SPCA-approved pork.

“We value the care and commitment shown so often by our farmers, and SSPCA certification is the perfect reward for their hard work. High welfare standards lead to happy, unstressed animals which in turn produce prime, healthy and tasty meats, giving our customers an unrivalled eating experience.”

Recent research has shown an increase in shoppers reporting welfare as their main ethical driver for choosing a product.

Andy McGowan, Head of Industry Development at Quality Meat Scotland, said: “We’re very pleased to see this latest addition to the list of processors approved by the Scottish SPCA.

“With nearly all Scottish pig farms and producers now accredited by the Scottish SPCA consumers can have confidence that product carrying the Specially Selected Pork branding has been independently assessed by the animal welfare charity.

“It’s a great achievement by the whole chain to get this far in the short time the scheme has been running. It’s a credit to all Scotland’s producers and processors that they have been able to collaborate with the Scottish SPCA and make this scheme the success it is.”

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Our assurance scheme helps maintain and demonstrate high animal welfare standards on farms and throughout the production process.

“Customers can have complete confidence that the product they are buying has been independently approved by Scotland’s animal welfare charity as we are impartial in this process, receiving no income either directly or indirectly from our involvement.”

For more information about Specially Selected Pork, visit www.speciallyselectedpork.co.uk