The operating team at Isle of Man Meats has achieved a prestigious food safety certification, reflecting the rigorous standards it employs.
Isle of Man Meats – which processes cattle, sheep and pigs from local farms – has gained the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) AA certification.
The BRC independently audits food manufacturing facilities around the world to ensure compliance with its stringent global safety standards.
The AA award is the highest made for a pre-planned audit and is held by only a small number of companies worldwide.
Leading retailers insist suppliers are BRC certified.
The announcement opens up potential new markets at a time the Island is seeking to grow the value of the food and drink sector by £50 million via its ‘Food Matters’ strategy.
Mike Owen, Chief Executive of Isle of Man Meats, said the entire workforce was proud of the accolade.
‘We have demonstrated that not only do our procedures comply with legislation, but they go above and beyond them and meet the BRC’s extremely high global standards.
‘Strict protocol must be followed to ensure that food safety, quality and legality is driven throughout the production process from start to finish.
‘This is verified at a thorough audit, carried out over three days by the BRC and covering more than 1,300 aspects of our processes.’
Mike said:
‘Large food manufacturers, including household names, hold or aspire to BRC certification. This highly sought-after certificate gives our customers added assurance that our meat is produced to the highest standards. It gives us greater opportunities to supply within a wider, prestige market.’
The award was presented to Isle of Man Meats today by David Cretney MLC, Member of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.
The plant, in Tromode, which has just undergone a £2 million refurbishment, is run by a co-operative of farmers.
Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:
‘The high quality of meat from the Island is widely recognised and Manx meat is sought out by shoppers in the Island and further afield.
‘For example, a London company that is a regular customer of the plant said customers’ response to Manx beef they ordered over Christmas was “terrific” and praised the “consistently exceptional standard” of meat it receives from us.
‘This high-level certification gives us the platform to grow markets, locally and internationally, which will further boost our economy and reputation in the food world.’
Andrew Lees, DEFA’s Food Business Development Manager, said:
‘Retailers require confidence in the product they are selling and this certification shows the meat plant is operating to the highest standards.’
In addition to the BRC accreditation, Isle of Man Meats also holds Red Tractor Farm Assurance certification, which is also audited by an independent body. That scheme focuses on animal welfare standards.