Asda boost for Scottish pork

A REVIVAL of the Scottish pig industry is expected after major retailer Asda agreed to reintroduce the Specially Selected Pork label approved by the SSPCA, a clear indication that Scottish farms are meeting the required welfare standards of pigs as highlighted by the SSPCA.

The closure last year of Asda’s previous pork supplier, Halls of Broxburn, resulted in the temporary absence of pork with the SSPCA approved label on the retail giant’s shelves.

However, Asda announced yesterday at the Highland Show that a new deal had been struck between their pig meat supplier, Cranswick Country Foods, and Dunbia Elgin which will see the major increase of pork to all 57 of Asda’s Scottish stores with the SSPCA-approved product.

“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.” said Richard Lochhead, Scotland’srural affairs secretary.

“It is important that consumers can purchase the finest possible pork and the Asda Specially Selected Pork label offers them that reassurance on the origin that they expect after the horsemeat scandal.”

Around 98 per cent of the total Scottish pig production volunteered to be inspected by the SSPCA.

For Asda, Dr Chris Brown, said: “We are delighted to be in a position to reinstate the brand, which is the UK’s first farm assurance and labelling scheme approved by a national animal welfare charity.”

l Despite suffering from recent hardship, the Scottish red meat industry can expect improvements in the future, according to Jim McLaren, chairman of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

Speaking at the Highland Show, he said that the industry deserved better recognition for its contribution for producing top quality food and sustainability in the sector.

“We are pulling out all the stops to deliver clarity on the very positive sustainability role delivered by the production of Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb.

“Indeed Scottish livestock producers are at the heart of our country’s sustainability – environmentally, social and economic – and they deserve recognition as the unsung heroes of the food security debate.”

Along with the difficulties that extreme wet weather and the re-structuring in the Scottish processing sector brought, McLaren acknowledged the negative impact the horsemeat scandal had on the beef market.

He said: “The good news is that our retailers are increasingly recognising this [traceability and quality assurance] and choosing to display the Scotch logos while consumers are increasingly seeking out products with strong provenance and traceability.”