Higher standards are to be introduced to the Pig Assurance Scheme this year following an extensive review by the Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Standards Setting Body.

The standards form an important part of the Scottish red meat industry’s Quality Assurance Scheme – the longest established scheme of its kind in the world.

It’s reviewed biennially to ensure that producers are meeting evolving supply chain demands and this year also saw a revision of the standard setting process.

Key changes to the pig scheme will be effective from May 1 and will see mandatory training brought in for stockpersons involved in the moving, handling and surrounding casualty management of pigs.

A need for greater emphasis on biosecurity was also outlined in the review, which includes the safer containment of fallen stock.

Kathryn Kerr, head of brands integrity at QMS, said: “Working in close collaboration with key industry stakeholders, the review incorporated a new step whereby members were able to provide direct and extensive feedback on the proposed changes, prior to being signed off by the standard setting body.

Greater emphasis on biosecurity

“These updated requirements are not intended to complicate farm business operations, and instead provide practical and relevant measures to protect the industry’s reputation at a time when consumers are demanding greater transparency about how their food is produced.

Ms Kerr, added: “Here in Scotland, we are globally renowned for our high standards of pig production, which not only grants animals the best possible quality of life on farm and throughout the live supply chain, but guarantees the finest product reaching the consumer’s plate.

“Quality assurance is a backbone of the Specially Selected Pork brand, and introducing even higher standards of production, assessed on farm by our trusted partner Food Integrity Assurance (FIA), ensures that we can continue to deliver robust and trusted marketing activity that offers value for our levy payers.”

‘These updated requirements are not intended to complicate farm business operations’

A summary of the main additions and revisions to the Pig Assurance Scheme, and why they were made, will be landing on member doorsteps in the coming days alongside a full copy of the updated standards, three months before they go live.

They will also be available to view on the QMS website.