ALWAYS BE IN THE KNOW. LOOK FOR THE MARK.
A Mark You Can Trust. The British Meat Quality Standard Mark was first introduced in 1999 to differentiate pork, bacon and ham produced to high standards of husbandry and welfare - encompassing feed, housing and regular independent inspection by the State Veterinary Service. It immediately made an impact as the Mark shoppers trusted for quality - and establish a 79 per cent consumer awareness and recognition factor. The Mark was soon extended to also apply to sausages.



OUT WITH THE OLD... IN WITH THE NEW!

The Requirements of the Scheme
The Quality Standard Mark applies to the whole of the supply chain, covering the key areas of:

  • Farm Assurance;
  • Transportation; and
  • Slaughter and Processing.

    The schemes listed below comprise the complete list of all such schemes as at 1 January 2005. Other schemes will be recognised if they can show they meet the same high standards.

    Farm Assurance
     To comply with the Quality Standard Mark, all producers must meet the high standards of husbandry and welfare - encompassing feed, housing and the regular independent inspection by the State Veterinary Service – governed under the following schemes:

  • Assured British Pigs *
  • Genesis Farm Assurance
  • Specially Selected Scotch Farm Assurance - Pigs

    Standards applying specifically to feed are governed by:

  • UKASTA Feed Assurance
  • QMS Feed Assurance

    Transportation
     The Quality Standard Mark also ensures the strict standards are met in transporting of live pigs. These standards cover vehicle design and construction, stocking densities and ventilation, the training of drivers, loading and unloading of animals and vehicle scheduling. Standards are governed by:

  • Assured British Meat Transport Scheme
  • QMS Haulage Assurance Scheme

    Slaughter and Processing
     The independent inspection of abattoirs to ensure compliance with all quality assurance procedures at this stage in the supply chain is included in the Quality Standard Mark criteria. These cover animal welfare and hygiene, slaughter processes to minimise stress and a weekly, independent traceability audit back to farm. The standards required of abattoirs are governed by:

  • British Quality Assured Pork
  • Specially Selected Scotch Processor Scheme

    In addition, there are quality standards set out for the major pork products of bacon, sausages and ham which are governed as follows:

  • British Meat Processors Association - Sausage Charter
  • British Meat Processors Association - Bacon Charter
  • British Meat Processors Association - Ham Charter

    * For further information on farm standards from Assured British Pigs, click here.

    < Register now for the Quality Standard Mark