Quality Assurance

The Scottish Pig Industry enjoys a worldwide reputation for high standards of production. Almost 100% of significant pig farming businesses in Scotland are members of the QMS Pigs Assurance Scheme.

To carry the Scottish Red Meat Industry’s Specially Selected Pork brand containing the Saltire, pigs must have been born, reared and slaughtered in Scotland from farms that are members of the scheme. Whole chain assurance ensures that animals have the best possible quality of life on farm and throughout the live supply chain, resulting in the highest quality product reaching the consumer’s plate.

Animal welfare and wellbeing are of paramount importance in ensuring the highest product quality. The QMS Animal Welfare and Wellbeing Charter recognises the five freedoms of animal welfare and wellbeing and is a guiding principle for all QMS assurance schemes, which are supported and approved by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA), Scotland’s independent animal welfare charity. The Scottish SPCA also carries out some joint visits to QMS approved livestock farms along with FIA's farm assessors.

The Scottish Pig Health Scheme includes an abattoir health monitoring programme operated by Wholesome Pigs Scotland Ltd, which is a robust health checking mechanism that helps producers achieve continuous herd health improvement. Abattoir monitoring by pig specialists is quickly reported to producers and their unit veterinary advisor. A direct link through QMS to the SRUC Veterinary Services accesses further expertise when required. The Scheme is fully endorsed by the Scottish SPCA.

The Pigs Assurance Scheme is owned by QMS who have contracted Food Integrity Assurance, an independent inspection and certification company, to carry out the required farm assessments in order to certify and approve scheme members