A Taste of Wellness for Savoury and Snacks
Givaudan
Food Assurance Schemes in the UK need a radical overhaul, according to a review of 18 schemes published this week by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA).
The FSA is recommending that a new independent organisation should govern the 'Red Tractor' schemes with core minimum standards put in place across all schemes.
Speaking at the annual conference of the Trading Standards Institute, FSA chairman Sir John Krebs said: "Assurance schemes such as the Red Tractor are potentially a force for good, driving up production standards and expanding choice, but they need a shake-up.
Most people are thoroughly confused about assurance schemes. The number of different schemes and their various logos adds to the confusion. For example, consumers are not sure whether the Red Tractor logo is to do with country of origin, better standards of production or better quality food."
Krebs stressed that schemes need to be independent if they are to improve consumer confidence.
The review was commissioned by the FSA last November in the wake of research for its submission to the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food which highlighted consumer concerns about the schemes.