Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is piloting spot check visits to farms, as part of its Cattle and Sheep Quality Assurance Scheme.

Starting in May, the pilot will focus on farms which have on several occasions failed to meet full compliance with key risk standards. There will also be a number of random visits to assured farms.

Farmers who are selected to receive a spot check will receive 24-48 hours’ notice that the visit is taking place. The exception to this is where a visit is viewed as more urgent as a result of special circumstances.

“Spot checks will allow us to manage reputational risk and underpin the ongoing credibility of our brands and assurance schemes.

“It is important that we are not complacent, especially given other standard owners are recognising the merit of spot checks,” said Suzanne Woodman, director of brands integrity with QMS.

Red Tractor has also recently introduced spot checks to its assurance scheme.

The pilot is supported by NFU Scotland, the Scottish Beef Association and NSA Scotland.

Jen Craig, chair of NSA Scotland, said steps to add to the credibility of the quality assurance scheme should be welcomed by the industry.

“With the consumer focus more than ever on the health and welfare of our livestock, this step is another way for us to show how important maintaining high standards are to producing the high-quality produce our industry is renowned for.”