More processors make the welfare grade for SSPCA pork

Scotland’s unique linkage between pig meat production and animal welfare took another step forward this week with the approval of another two meat processing plants by the Scottish SPCA for their welfare standards.

Rhinds of Elgin, part of Dunbia, and John M Munro in Dingwall were recently accredited by the national animal welfare charity. The accreditation means that they and their customers can now use the “Specially Selected Pork Approved by the Scottish SPCA” label on their products.

These latest approvals mean that more than 95 per cent of the pork produced in Scotland can carry the branding.

Raymond Wight, general manager at Dunbia, said: “In our discussions with the Scottish SPCA they highlighted that welfare was always a high priority for shoppers. This labelling will enable consumers to buy Dunbia pork with certainty.”

Charlie Munro, managing director of John M Munro, said: “High welfare standards lead to happy, unstressed animals which in turn produce prime, healthy and tasty meats, giving our customers an unrivalled eating experience.”

Recent research has shown an increase in shoppers reporting welfare as their main ethical driver for choosing a product.

Andy McGowan, of Quality Meat Scotland, said that with nearly all Scottish pig farms and producers now accredited by the Scottish SPCA consumers could buy with confidence.

He said: “It’s a credit to all Scotland’s producers and processors that they have been able to collaborate with the Scottish SPCA and make this scheme the success it is.”

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn pointed out that the charity receives no income, directly or indirectly, from the scheme.