Catering Scotland

Shoppers visiting Aldi, which has 46 stores located throughout Scotland, will from this week see ‘Specially Selected Pork Approved by the Scottish SPCA’ labels on all Scottish-origin fresh pork packs on the retailer’s shelves.

The announcement follows ongoing discussions between representatives from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Aldi and Ayrshire-based Lynch Meats.

‘Consumers are increasingly stating that animal welfare is a priority when making purchase decisions,’ commented said Jim McLaren, QMS Chairman. ‘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.’

As part of the ground-breaking initiative behind the label, pig farms throughout Scotland are visited by Scottish SPCA inspectors. The initiative was the UK’s first farm assurance and food labeling scheme independently approved by a national animal welfare charity.

Participation is voluntary and around 98% of total Scottish pig production has now been inspected by the Scottish SPCA. According to Mr McLaren, the integrity of the scheme is founded on the fact that 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.

Richard Holloway, Managing Director for Aldi in Scotland, commented: ‘Sourcing food with integrity is of utmost importance to Aldi, and our Scottish pork range is now well established across our Scottish stores.’

www.qmscotland.co.uk