Organic focus: Making their mark
Fairtrade
Fairtrade products ensure the welfare and long term success of producers in developing countries. Producers are paid a fair price for their goods and can also ask for pre-payment so that small-scale producers can cover costs.
In short, it ensures that the little fish - the independent grower - can survive amongst the loss-leading big boys. For the consumer, it means higher prices but ethical peace of mind.
Typical Fairtrade products include: teas, coffees, juices, fruits, chocolate, biscuits, cereal bars, honey, yoghurts and even wines, beers and spirits.
All products are certified by Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International and genuine products carry the Fairtrade mark.
Lion Quality
Found printed on egg shells and egg boxes, the Lion Quality mark ensures food safety.
All eggs bearing the mark come from British hens that have been vaccinated against Salmonella Enteritidis. There are hygiene controls on the farm and during packing. A best-before date is printed on the shell and the pack and eggs are traceable to the farm they came from.
Approximately 85 per cent of UK eggs are now Lion Quality standard.
Marine Stewardship Council
Concern about overfishing, depleted stocks and farmed fish mean the need to reassure customers about the origin of fish products has never been more important.
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) promotes responsible fishing practice. Well managed fisheries - those that maintain and re-establish fish populations, maintain ecosystems and comply with local and international fishing agreements - are certificated with the MSC label of approval.
The scheme aims to change un-environmental and unsustainable fishing practices through consumer purchasing power. Over 850 MSC-labelled products are available.
Organic food
Basically, the label 'organic' means that food has been cultivated without the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides. Soil fertility is achieved primarily by natural methods such as crop rotations. And animals are reared without the use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers.
Sourcing organic food can be a bit of a minefield with numerous bodies running assurance schemes to certify that producers have met organic standards.
All foods sold as organic must originate from growers, processors and importers who are registered with an approved certification body and are subject to regular inspection.
The UK approved certification bodies are:
- Organic Farmers and Growers
- Scottish Organic Producers Association
- Organic Food Federation
- Soil Association Certification
- Bio-dynamic Agricultural Association
- Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association
- Organic Trust
- CMi Certification
- Quality Welsh Food Certification
Ascisco, the Advisory Committee on Organic Standards (ACOS) advises government on organic standards and approves organic certifying bodies.
Organic food standards
The Quality Standard Mark (pork)
Pork, bacon, ham and sausages bearing the Quality Standard Mark have been produced to high standards of animal welfare.This includes feeding, housing, transportation and slaughter. Regular independent inspections are carried out by the State Veterinary Service to verify good practice.
All of the meat currently comes from Britain. But the scheme has been extended to cover any pork produced to the British Pig Executive (BPEX) Quality Assurance Scheme standards.
However, as yet no other countries have signed up to it. The mark has a flag underneath to show the country of origin.
The Quality Standard Mark (beef and lamb)
The English Beef & Lamb Executive's (EBLEX) Quality Standard Mark is the only assurance scheme to cover both eating quality and production standards.
Beef and lamb carrying the mark is ensured to be succulent and tender and produced to high standards.
To qualify meat must be produced, transported and slaughtered through an EBLEX-approved supply chain. Inspections are carried out from farm to meat counter.
There are two types of label to look out for. Only animals born, raised and slaughtered in England will carry the Quality Standard or Quality Standard Mark with a St George's flag. If born in Scotland or Wales, meat will carry the Union Jack.
EBLEX Beef and Lamb Quality Standard
Red Tractor
Red Tractor food is produced by an alliance of UK farmers, processors, retailers and distributors who ensure high standards of food safety and hygiene, and the welfare of animals and the environment.
Food is inspected not only at the farm level but all the way through production until it is packed. Food traceability and the safe transport of products in clean vehicles are also monitored.
Red Tractor assured products include peas, oven chips, turkey, pears, goats cheese, butternut squash and meats.
Pubs who sell the produce can apply to display a Red Tractor wall plaque and use the logo.
To obtain an application form email enquiries@redtractor.org.uk.
RSPCA Freedom Food
The scheme is dedicated to improving farm animal welfare. All animals under the scheme must have been reared according to strict RSPCA welfare standards which assure the animal has a good quality of life including during handling and transportation.
The guidelines cover small and large scale production and indoor and outdoor rearing.
Everyone involved in meat production, from farmers, hauliers, processors and abattoirs has to adhere to the RSPCA standards for the product to receive the freedom food label.
