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There's a mind-boggling selection of food standards, certificates and assurance schemes right now. So we've compiled a quick guide to help you understand what means what at your next visit to a Fresh-n-Local Farmers Market.
Soil Association Organic
Organic Produce is produced without the use of artificial fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, feed additives or growth regulators.
The Soil Association is the most well-known of 12 Certification bodies currently licensed by the UK government to enforce organic standards set by the European Union. The SA aims to set the 'gold standard' for organics - their standards not only meet the legal minimum requirements but are often higher, particularly in farm animal welfare.
Organic Farmers and Growers
Another of the organic certification bodies, the Organic Farmers and Growers have decided to take a pragmatic approach. Whilst working within the EU Regulations, they focus on what is practical and realistic to implement for commercial growers.
National Dairy Farm Assured Scheme
The National Dairy Farm Assured Scheme is a partnership between the National Farmers Union, the British Cattle Veterinary Association and representatives of the Dairy Industry. It aims to provide public confidence about the production methods and the safety and quality of milk. Its standards cover hygeine and food safety, housing and facilities, feed and water, herd health, stockmanship and training as well as plant and equipment safety.
FABBL Farm Assurance Scheme
The FABBL Farm Assurance Scheme was set up in 1992 to give retailers and consumers confidence in British livestock production standards. The Beef and Lamb Standards currently cover identification and traceability, farm animal management, environment & hygiene management, feed composition, housing and handling facilities, medicines and veterinary treatments and transport of livestock.
Freedom Food
Freedom Food is the RSPCA's farm assurance and food labelling scheme. It aims to improve the lives of farm animals by implementing welfare standards on farms, hauliers and abattoirs across the country. The standards are based on the concept of the five freedom's as defined by the Farm Animal Welfare Council:
- Freedom from fear and distress
- Freedom from hunger and thirst
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain injury and disease
- Freedom to express normal behaviour
Freedom Food labelled products include eggs and dairy products as well as meat and poultry.
Lion Code of Practice
More than 80% of UK eggs are currently produced under the industry’s voluntary Lion Code of Practice, a comprehensive programme incorporating the highest standards of food safety. British Lion egg producers now believe that two of the Lion Code’s key elements — salmonella vaccination and a ‘best before’ date stamped on every egg — should be imposed on all eggs sold in the UK.
Wine Board Quality Wine Scheme
The Wine Standards Board is responsible for approving or failing Quality Wine applications, based on the results of analysis and tasting organised by the United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA). The WSB also secures the enforcement and execution within the United Kingdom of European Community Regulations in the wine sector.
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