We are a member of Quality Meat Scotland, and our products carry the ‘Specially Selected’ logo…what does this really mean?

Assurance on the Farm
The chain of quality assurance starts at the farm. Over 10,500 of Scotland's livestock producers are independently inspected to ensure all animals destined to become Specially Selected Scotch Beef, Lamb and Pork are reared and fed to the highest standards of animal husbandry, health and welfare.

Assurance of Quality
The Guild of Scotch Quality Meat Suppliers and Specially Selected Scotch Pork Processors - which represent the leading meat plants in Scotland - are responsible for nearly 90% of Scottish processing.

Assurance of Trace-ability
Only beef, lamb and pork from Farm Assured herds or flocks are eligible to bear the "Specially Selected Scotch" label. This ensures that there is a traceable path between farm and plate.

The Product
We have a reputation to be proud of. The traditions of Scottish quality, coupled to the pioneering assurance scheme for Scotland's farmers, hauliers, auctioneers, meat processors and retail outlets, gives Specially Selected Scotch Beef, Lamb and Pork a unique marketing edge.

Feeding
Farm Assured Specially Selected Scotch cattle, sheep and pigs are reared to high standards. All members of Specially Selected Scotch Farm Assurance must source compounds / blended feedstuffs from mills which are UFAS approved. This ensures traceability of raw materials through regular, independent inspections.

Animal Health and Welfare
Our codes of practise cover all medicine and veterinary treatments. Rigid regulations on feeds and medicines means Specially Selected Scotch Beef, Lamb and Pork are free from residues. Under the farm assurance rules, anyone involved in livestock management must demonstrate competence in animal welfare and stockmanship.

Transport
Stress is a critical factor in the ultimate meat quality. This is why drivers and stockmen who are involved in the transporting of livestock are to be assessed under the Specially Selected Scotch Haulier Assurance Scheme. This means that cattle, sheep and pigs are handled and transported with minimum stress - ensuring a quality product, and maintaining high standards of animal welfare.

Auction Marts
Auctioneering companies are also involved in the reduction of handling and stress. In conjunction with the Specially Selected Scotch Quality Assurance Scheme, specific codes of practise for the handling, selling and dispatch of livestock have been developed.

Maintaining Quality
Our aim is to produce meat of consistent quality and tenderness. This is why each carcase must be selected from prime stock and must meet prescribed standards of conformation and fat classification. The chilling and maturation processes are also carefully controlled and monitored.

Appearance
Appearances are everything. So we constantly check each carcase at all stages of processing, boning, trimming and packaging to ensure that blemishes and flaws do not detract from the quality product.

Inspections
All processors and suppliers of Specially Selected Scotch Beef, Lamb and Pork are subject to regular inspections and all meat processing plants must have a fully documented HACCP system in place. This way, we can ensure that strict product and processing standards are maintained at all times.