Haulage standards for Scottish meat industry are revised

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has strengthened its haulage assurance scheme, adding new standards in areas such as wash out facilities, water provision, vehicle signage and flooring.

The updated standards document becomes effective from 1 October 2020.

The Haulage Assurance Scheme is part of QMS's 'whole chain' assurance which underpins the integrity of the Scottish red meat industry's three premium brands: Scotch Beef PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork. It is intended to provide reassurance to consumers of provenance, highest standards of production, animal welfare and wellbeing.

Only haulage operators who are approved members of the Haulage Assurance Scheme can transport cattle, sheep and pigs which are destined for the three brands.

Drivers are specially trained to handle and transport livestock and must hold a livestock certificate of competence.

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

Commenting on the revised haulage standards, 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.'

Kerr added that the standards were designed to be 'practical and relevant' for scheme members while reinforcing consumer trust.

QMS is a public body that promotes the Scottish red meat sector. Its assurance schemes cover more than 90% of livestock farmed for meat in Scotland.

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