Animal welfare and food standards
As consumers we are increasingly aware of, and concerned by where and how our food is produced, and what processes and journeys it has undergone before we buy it. For farmers, this increase in concern is welcomed as it encourages consumers to buy from British producers, because UK traceability and labelling requirements are the most rigorous, and because we feel confident buying closer to home.There is a wide range of animal welfare and food
quality, traceability and safety standards and schemes and there
have been some changes to legal labelling requirements in the past
few years, all of which is intended to make finding out where our
food comes from clearer and easier. Britain already has the highest farm animal welfare standards in Europe. There are no growth hormones or antibiotics in manufactured animal feed in the UK, the use of sow stalls and tethers is also banned, and the record-keeping for traceability farmers must adhere to is the most stringent and the most transparent, recording any use of veterinary medicines on an individual basis. |
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The Red TractorThe Red
Tractor is the logo of Assured Food Standards, an independent
organisation set up to regulate several farm assurance and food
quality schemes, so that the choice of schemes available to farmers
can be retained whilst presenting a recognisable brand to consumers,
adding confidence to buying choices. The use of the symbol on produce is a stamp of approval, proving that it has met the stringent criteria necessary to qualify for the British Farm Standard. Standards cover all aspects of production on the farm from looking after the countryside to food hygiene and safety, ensuring that farmers are producing food to meet a set of agreed standards of good agricultural practice and animal welfare that are checked regularly by trained inspectors and are trusted by consumers. |
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