Scottish Pig Industry Welcomes Welfare Label Commitment from ASDA
Supermarket chain ASDA has agreed to stock pork products bearing the Specially Selected Pork label, as part of its committment to highlight the high welfare standard of pigs on Scottish farms.
The closure of the supermarket’s previous supplier, Halls of Broxburn, resulted in stocks of Specially Selected Pork-labelled products being unavailable within the retail giant. Now, however, pigmeat supplier Cranswick Country Foods is increasing its slaughter throughput to ensure ASDA’s 57 Scottish stores can be supplied with the Scottish SPCA-approved product.
Rural Affairs Secretary, Richard Lochhead MSP, said: ‘This is a timely boost to the pig industry in Scotland and demonstrates that our producers adhere to the highest standards of animal welfare while producing top quality pork.
‘The scheme also delivers real benefits to our pig sector by guaranteeing the quality and provenance of Scottish pork, the high welfare standards that are in place, and using a supply chain which supports the industry at a local and national level.’
QMS chairman, Jim McLaren, added: ‘Consumers are increasingly reporting animal welfare is a priority when making purchasing decisions, so it is vital there is strong awareness of our industry’s excellent welfare credentials.
‘This is a welcome shot in the arm for the industry and we look forward to other retailers seizing the opportunity to stock a brand which meets consumers’ requirements for provenance, quality assurance and welfare.’
Launched almost four years ago, the Specially Selected Pork initiative is approved and inspected by the Scottish SPCA and was the UK’s first farm assurance and food-labelling scheme independently approved by a national animal welfare charity. Participation is voluntary and around 98% of total Scottish pig production has now been inspected.
The Scottish pig industry has been given a major boost following a move by ASDA to reinstate the Specially Selected Pork label on its shelves…
