Case Study - Red Tractor Food Assurance Scheme

The Problem

The issue of food safety is never far from the mind of the UK consumer, from the safety of beef or food additives, to the integrity of organic farming methods or GM production.

The Solution

UKAS actively supports quality across almost the entire food industry from the 'farm to the fork'.

Assured Food Standards (AFS) is an independent organisation set up to manage the Red Tractor mark. Set up in 2000, the scheme unites the entire supply chain, representing a tangible endorsement of provenance and quality assurance on nearly £5 billion worth of food every year. To millions of consumers, it offers assurance that food has been produced, transported, processed and packed to exacting standards.

UKAS plays an active role to maintain the integrity of the scheme, by evaluating and accrediting certification bodies involved in this process to EN45011 (product certification), providing retailers and consumers with greater confidence, as well as ensuring best practice is adopted in the food industry.

The scheme has a major role to play in the future of British food and farming - by promoting recognition of professionally-produced assured food, and by boosting the reputation of food production in the UK.