Quality Assurance
Celebrating 30 years of Quality Assurance
With growing levels of food consciousness, consumers are more eager than ever to know the values behind its production. We were proud to celebrate 30 years of QMS’s Quality Assurance in 2020, the longest established scheme of its kind in the world.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the suspension of all face-to-face assessments, QMS created a management plan which enabled us to manage the situation as it progressed. In conjunction with independent contractor Lloyd’s Register, we developed a remote assessment tool which was launched in April 2020. Recognised by UKAS, this enabled a full quality assurance assessment to be conducted in processors, auction marts, hauliers, and pig, cattle and sheep farms. When restrictions eased, physical assessments resumed, however, the remote tool is still available for any member who is self-isolating due to the pandemic.
We have also revamped the QMS Standards information, making it more user-friendly, with simple, easy-to-read content that clearly explains each Standard and its importance. The Standards behind the six QMS quality assurance schemes are reviewed regularly and updated to ensure continuous improvements are made to keep pace with legislative, technical and any other changes.
Each scheme has it's own Standard setting committee comprised of individuals with a broad range of knowledge and expertise. This ensures the views of all stakeholders are considered, along with changing circumstances in the industry.
A full list of QMS committees can be found on the QMS website.
We continue to partner with the Scottish SPCA on animal welfare, and to respond to enquiries from our members on all aspects of quality assurance including management, signage and topical issues. When circumstances allow, the team is planning a series of health plan workshops which will allow them to engage with members directly.
To be eligible for the Scottish Red Meat Industry’s premium brands and carry the Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI logos, cattle and sheep must have been born, reared and slaughtered in Scotland and spent their entire life on QMS Scotch Assured holdings.
