Contract caterer Sodexo is first to secure Red Tractor membership

The 'Corporate Member' status means that Sodexo is now a wholly accredited organisation, after demonstrating a responsible sourcing policy across all of its operations. To achieve the accreditation, the company's supply chain, systems and processes, were independently reviewed and audited by the Assured Food Standards team (AFS). 'Corporate Member' status means that any new Sodexo sites will now only be required to apply centrally to its sustainable procurement team to request the use of Red Tractor logos at point of service. Sodexo became the first company in the foodservice sector to secure Red Tractor accreditation across multiple sites in its education, healthcare and defence sectors for fresh produce, milk and cream. The company has now announced that this accreditation has been extended to include all sectors and all fresh meat both in England and Wales. The contract caterer has worked closely with its suppliers and the AFS to ensure that the British meat it serves in England and Wales is Red Tractor assured. This means that all meat procured via its supplier must meet strict criteria in relation to traceability, food safety and animal welfare standards. Steve Jobson, buying director, Sodexo UK and Ireland, added: "We are delighted to have secured this accreditation. As a company, we have dedicated a great deal of resource to ensure that we are doing all we can to support our farmers in the UK. "This accreditation goes some way in recognising the work that we do, however, our efforts do not stop there, as we are already looking forward to continue to develop our sustainable procurement strategy by working closely with our supplier base to ensure that the products we purchase are grown, reared or manufactured in the most ethical and sustainable manner."