The retail meat industry has been watching
the development of Farmers Markets with great interest and now recognise
that this report helps to create a level playing field for fair
competition.
This is all retail butchers have been
seeking since they fear that these markets are in a privileged position
where enforcement of regulation is concerned.
Douglas Scott, Chief Executive of the
Scottish Federation of Meat Traders said:
“We do not think that farmers and
consumers understand the indirect costs of operating in this industry and
are watching with interest to see if there are any tips to be taken from
we hear reported as resounding success stories.
“We have been very concerned that
the enthusiasm for these markets might undermine the recently upgraded
standards that butchers shops now work under. The report confirms that
consumer confidence and legislative requirements should not be relaxed
just because meat is being sold from a market stall by farmers.”
His Federation welcomes the
recommendations made in the report reminding Local Authorities of the need
to ensure the systematic inspection of farmers’ markets, requiring a
statement of inspection policies for farmers’ markets to be included in
the annual reports submitted under the Food Standards Agency/Local
Authority Framework Agreement.
The Federation looks forward to sharing
the standardised advice and guidance documents being made available to all
traders by Local Authorities in co-operation with across Scotland. It will
be useful to receive additional guidance made available both in printed
form and on an appropriate Internet site, so that updating and revision of
the documents can be undertaken at regular intervals.
The Federation also welcomes food safety
training for stallholders and their staff, and where there are statutory
requirements for training the desire to ensure that the same standards
apply in farmers’ markets as in other retail outlets selling the same
goods.
The Federation is pleased to read SFAC’s
recommendation that information from Enforcement Officers on
the cold-chain conditions associated with the sale of meat and meat
products in farmers’ markets should be continually monitored.
Again the recommendation that the Food
Standards Agency in Scotland considers the preparation of an advisory
publication on labelling designed for use by all traders.
The Federation is surprised with the
recommendation that FSAS urgently reviews the derogation to
butchers under the Fresh Meat Regulations, and seeks to find a regulatory
solution which, whilst consistent with the relevant EU Directive, will
safely provide greater market flexibility in regard to the cutting and
packaging of meat. Anything that reduces the burden of over inspection in
the industry is helpful.
With the introduction of Butchers Shop
Licencing in 2000 Scottish consumers have been supplied with the
confidence to shop at independent butchers. The SFAC report will ensure
that important standards are maintained.
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