Markets become final link in assurance chain
UK - Next year assured livestock markets and collection centres will become fully integrated into the beef and lamb assurance chain. This completes the final link in beef and lamb whole chain assurance which will include farm, transport, market and abattoir.
20 November 2006
2 minute read
From 1 April 2007, if farmers sell assured livestock through a non-assured market the animals will loose their assured status. This move does not prevent assured markets selling non-assured livestock as long as animals are clearly identified.
“We are delighted that assured markets have now been recognised,” said Chris Dodds, Executive Secretary to the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) “Many markets have become ABM assured over the last year as it allows them to demonstrate that all stock at livestock markets are treated with a high regard for animal health and welfare, and for public health and safety.”
Assured Food Standards (AFS) and EBLEX fully support this development which will further strengthen the Red Tractor logo and EBLEX Quality Standard Mark. When selling assured livestock through the market system, AFS and EBLEX will only permit assured markets and assured collection centres to be used. Beef and lamb produced from ABM farms and which passes through an assured supply chain is eligible to carry the Red Tractor logo and EBLEX Quality Standard Mark subject to additional eating quality requirements.
From the 1st April 2007 ABM abattoirs purchasing stock and labelling products as assured will have to ensure that, if cattle and sheep have been through a livestock market, the market as well as the stock is assured, either through the ABM or Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Market scheme.
“Livestock markets are an essential part of the supply chain, especially for small and medium sized abattoirs and we are pleased at the number who have joined the scheme,” said Norman Bagley, Director of the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS). “Over the last year many of my members have embraced assurance and need local assured markets to provide a supply of farm assured stock to meet their demand.”
ABM will be issuing all assured markets with signs to clearly highlight that they are assured and markets themselves will also be publicising their assurance status to their customers, both buyers and sellers. A full list of assured markets can be found on the ABM www.abm.org.uk and QMS www.qmscotland.co.uk websites and will be published in the farming press from time to time.
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