Red Tractor has reversed its plans to increase the number of audits it carries out on poultry farms, following opposition from the industry.
Back in December, the assurance scheme said it would increase inspections from every 12 months to every nine months in order “for the industry to demonstrate its commitment to bird safety and welfare”. The move was in response to “increased scrutiny in British agriculture and food production.”
The more frequent audits had been due to start this March, but now Red Tractor has reversed its decision.
In a statement, a spokesman for Red Tractor said: “Since our announcement in December and following discussions with processors and industry bodies across the poultry sector, Red Tractor agreed to further modify the poultry scheme audit regime. Sites will have a minimum of one audit within a 12 month period and will not be able to go for more than a 24 month period without a physical assessment taking place on farm.
“Recognising the challenges of undertaking physical on-farm audits, the new plan will allow auditing in the last 72 hours before depopulation during housing order restrictions. Farms demonstrating robust compliance will have the option for a remote audit the following 12 month period.”