The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Industry welcomes Aldi’s support
THE PIG industry in Scotland and the Scottish SPCA have welcomed a commitment from Aldi to support the industry’s pioneering welfare label.
Shoppers visiting any of Aldi’s 46 Scottish stores will see “Specially Selected Pork Approved by the Scottish SPCA” labels on all Scottish-origin fresh pork packs on the retailer’s shelves from this week.
The announcement follows discussions between representatives from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Aldi and Ayrshire-based Lynch Meats, most recently at the Royal Highland Show.
QMS chairman Jim McLaren said: “Today’s announcement by Aldi is an excellent result for the Scottish pig industry.
“Consumers are increasingly stating that animal welfare is a priority when making purchase decisions, and Aldi’s commitment will help to further boost awareness of our industry’s excellent welfare credentials.
“We look forward to other retailers seizing the opportunity to stock a brand which meets consumers’ requirements for provenance, quality assurance and welfare.”
The Specially Selected Pork label approved by the Scottish SPCA was launched to highlight the high welfare standard of pigs on Scottish farms.
Pig farms across Scotland are visited by Scottish SPCA inspectors as part of the ground-breaking initiative behind the label.
It was the UK’s first farm assurance and food labelling scheme independently approved by a national animal welfare charity.
Participation is voluntary and about 98% of total Scottish pig production has now been inspected by the Scottish SPCA.
The integrity of the scheme is founded on the fact the Scottish SPCA receives no income, either directly or through any subsidiary, from the inspections.
As a result, consumers can have complete confidence in the impartiality and independence of the inspection process.
Aldi’s managing director in Scotland Richard Holloway said: “As part of an ongoing commitment to source quality Scottish produce, Aldi is proud to be working with QMS on this significant welfare initiative.
“Sourcing food with integrity is of utmost importance to Aldi, and our Scottish pork range is now well established across our Scottish stores.”
The QMS Assurance Scheme for pigs has 160 members with about 98% of pork produced in Scotland assured from feed to slaughter.
The Scottish SPCA assessments will be carried out at the same time as existing assessment arrangements meaning no extra cost or time burden on pig producers.