Contract caterer Talkington Bates achieves red tractor status

The Red Tractor scheme, which is run by Assured Food Standards (AFS), guarantees consumers tha food has been produced, transported, processed and packed to a rigid set of assured standards. It provides a system that can trace food right back to the farm where it was produced. The new accreditation means that Talkington Bates' contract catering sites are now able to display the Red Tractor logo which is instantly recognised by diners as an endorsement of quality standards throughout the food chain. Paul Bates, Talkington Bates' group managing director, said: "We are delighted to be part of this scheme which has united the food chain in raising standards and verifying that they are being met. "We believe in supporting high standards of food production and this issue is also something that many of our clients and their customers are concerned about. They will welcome the quality reassurance that accreditation for the Red Tractor scheme provides – it is also a visible symbol of our high standards."