Physical inspections to return

A gradual return to onfarm quality assurance inspections where virtual assessments are impossible will begin from Sundy, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has announced.

The move follows the introduction of a remote assessment tool in April and is part of a five-point plan for assurance assessments during Covid-19 restrictions which had been introduced to maintain the integrity of the six schemes.

The organisation yesterday said that physical assessments would only be conducted where a remote audit proved impossible and would be prioritised based on the following criteria: a high-risk member, an overdue assessment, new applicants or a response to complaint or concern.

Kathryn Kerr, head of brands integrity at QMS said that, where possible, members should still submit their documents to a portal or direct to the assessors for review prior to any physical visit, thus limiting the time on farm and reducing risk to both member and assessor:

“To ensure the safety of both assessors and members, a Covid-19 risk assessment will be conducted prior to every assessment to determine if there are any vulnerabilities that would either prevent or increase risk to member or assessor if a physical assessment took place,” said Kerr.

She said that where a farmer was categorised as vulnerable and identified as requiring an on-farm assessment, the member could choose to have a representative present during the assessment to act on their behalf, adding that strict protocols would include the wearing of PPE and adherence to physical distancing rules during the visit.