Six schemes can use kitemark


16 May 2000



Six schemes can use kitemark

By FWi staff

SIX farm assurance schemes will be allowed to use the British Farm Standard kitemark when it is launched next month, said the National Farmers Union.

The schemes, which guarantee food safety, were told they reach the standards required by Assured Food Standards, the company set up to operate the kitemark.

The logo – which shows a red and blue tractor on a white background – can now be used on every type of primary food, said NFU president Ben Gill.

It will initially appear on single-ingredient foods like cuts of meat, simple mixtures like mixed salad leaves, and bread, he added.

“Our task now is to ensure that shoppers can begin to recognise the mark and what it stands for – food you can trust.”

The NFU believes the licensing system will boost sales of British food and ensure that the logo is only used on products meeting the high standards required.

Assured Food Standards will be investigating the possibility of using the kitemark on more complex or composite foods in the future, said Mr Gill.

The major retailers have all confirmed that they will use the kitemark on packaging of relevant products when it is launched in the week beginning 12 June.

The NFU has set up a hotline (020 7802 3208) to answer inquiries from producers, processors, retailers and farmers who want to use the logo.

The schemes which have been told they can use the logo are:

  • Assured British Pigs and associated pig meat schemes;
  • Assured British Meat, Beef and Lamb Schemes;
  • Assured Chicken Production;
  • Assured Combinable Crops (cereals);
  • Assured Produce (fruit, vegetables and salads);
  • National Dairy Farm Assurance Scheme.

The NFU said the schemes included independent inspections and operated in accordance with the international standard EN45011 for product certification.

The logo was unveiled for the first time by Prime Minister Tony Blair at the Downing Street summit with farm leaders in March.

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