MSP Highlights Quality Scottish Meat Assurance Schemes

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has said consumers can have confidence in quality-assured Scottish meat following the recent scandal surrounding Tesco supermarkets and other retailers and the content of burgers being sold by them.

Mr Stevenson has highlighted the work done by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and the high standards demanded by their various quality assurance schemes which cover all aspects of the food production chain from farm to fork.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson said:

“The quality assurance schemes in Scotland guarantee Scotch Beef comes from cattle born, reared and slaughtered in Scotland. The industry, rightly, takes great pride in the world-leading traceability which it has in place.

“The recent publicity surrounding Tesco has unfairly tarnished the reputation of all farmers who provide high-quality meat which is traceable to source.

“The message to consumers should be that bodies such as Quality Meat Scotland have rigorous assurance schemes in place covering everything from animal welfare to haulage standards; from auction marts to processors. By supporting quality Scottish meat in general, and your local high street butcher in particular, the consumer can be assured that they are purchasing meat of the highest quality and traceability.”