Beef Labelling
One of The Scottish Government's key objectives is to improve the traceability of meat. The Beef Labelling Scheme is a European Union (EU) wide scheme which is intended to provide buyers with clear, reliable information about beef (including veal) on sale. A key requirement of the scheme is that it should enable beef on sale to be traced back to where it originated.
Compulsory beef labelling applies to all fresh and frozen beef and veal at all stages of the production chain from slaughterhouse to retailer. The Scheme supplements the voluntary beef labelling scheme that has been in force since 1998. The European Parliament and Council Regulation 1760/2000 govern both elements of the Beef Labelling Scheme. Local authorities and government meat inspectors enforce the labelling rules in the UK.
Scotch and Scottish Labels
'Scotch Beef' has been born, reared and slaughtered in Scotland, and is quaility assured. The "Scotch Beef" label has Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status under European Council Regulation 2081/92 and is therefore exempt from the Beef Labelling Scheme. Use of the "Scottish" (or Product of Scotland) label does, however, require approval under the Beef Labelling Scheme. To be labelled as 'Scottish' or 'Product of Scotland', cattle must have been born, reared and slaughtered in Scotland.
'Scotch' beef is quality assured by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS)
- For more information on Quality Meat Scotland's Quality Assurance Schemes please visit the QMS Website
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