Scots standards should not be 'Brexit bargaining chip'

The alternative was a sector put at economic risk while consumers were left with an ‘import-driven supply chain which was neither controlled nor controllable by the UK Government’.

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) took a similar stance, highlighting Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb’s coveted European protected geographical indication status which has been in place since 1996.

Meanwhile, the Specially Selected Pork label ensures high welfare standards with the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals inspecting each farm annually.

QMS chairwoman Kate Rowell said: “Scotland pioneered the way for whole-of-life and whole-of-supply chain quality assurance, meaning the farm, haulier, auction mart, feed merchant and processor are all quality assured to high-quality production methods.”

According to a recent survey by Unison/Savanta ComRes, four-fifths (81 per cent) of the British public have concerns about meat quality standards being relaxed post-Brexit.