Choose Red Tractor on food packs

CONSUMERS who want to make sure they are getting the best bacon butty are advised to stick to food with the Red Tractor logo.

That assures high standards of animal welfare and environmental protection similar to DEFRA rules.

The quality control system was launched by the National Farmers’ Union in 2000 and ensures food is traceable, safe to eat and has been produced responsibly.

Red Tractor producers are overseen by Assured Food Standards (AFS), which promotes and regulates food quality.

It licenses the Red Tractor quality mark and carries out independent inspections to confirm that businesses are meeting strict standards.

Campaigners at animal action group VIVA said the footage taken at Hogwood Farm was being offered to regulators with a view to enforcement action.

A spokesman for the

Government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency said: “APHA takes potential breaches of animal welfare legislation very seriously and investigates all allegations.

“Where welfare regulations are breached, appropriate action is taken.”

Officials at DEFRA were unable to provide information regarding the supply chain of the meat produced by Brian Hobill’s farm.

It is known to provide produce to local markets and hog roast events in Warwickshire.

But the sheer mass of livestock at Hogwood points to a larger involvement in the meat trade which could include restaurant and supermarket chains. Farmer Hobill is a keen sportsman who plays tennis, table tennis and rugby.

He is married and has two grown-up kids.

Pig farming is big business in the UK with more than 10 million porkers slaughtered last year.

CHECK Tractor logo