24th Mar 2010 - 00:00
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Abstract
When it comes to sourcing pork and pork products, quality and assurance is vital for chefs and retailers looking to provide customers with the utmost confidence in food they are buying and eating.
Over the last ten years the BPEX Quality Standard Mark (QSM) has been the guarantee to look for; that the pork, bacon, ham and sausages have come from a supply chain committed to high standards of animal welfare, quality control and traceability. From April 2010, all Assured Quality pork and pork products will begin to carry the Red Tractor logo. BPEX foodservice trade manager, Tony Goodger, said: "Many catering suppliers, including one contract caterer supplying into governmental staff restaurants, have already moved to Red Tractor pork and pork product purchasing and this is very welcome at a time when diners are increasingly interested in the quality and origin of food they are choosing. "It therefore, makes sense for chefs and caterers to promote a clear message about their own sourcing policy on menus and specials boards and providing reassurance to customers will often result in increased sales and customer loyalty. "We would recommend chefs work closely with their catering butcher or supplier to ensure they get the exact specifications they require when ordering pork and pig meat products, and to maximise market opportunities."