The new owner of carcase classification body MLCSL has pledged that consistency, transparency and independence will be safeguarded through the formation of a new scrutiny committee.
Meat and Livestock Commercial Services Limited (MLCSL) has been acquired by Hallmark Veterinary Compliance Services, purchased through parent company Vorenta Ltd.
The deal was approved by Farming Minister George Eustice and completed on November 30.
The move was first announced in March and, since then, there has been a consultation with industry.
David Peace, chairman of HallMark said he had originally suggested the formation of an independent Carcase Classification Scrutiny Committee (CCSC) in response to industry concerns.
He added that he looked forward to working with the committee to maintain the high standards of classification in the red meat processing sector.
Mr Peace said: “MLCSL has a very strong reputation and from my perspective, any initiative where we are able to work more closely with industry bodies to continue this and, potentially, enhance services further, can only be a positive move.”
Andrew Loftus, co-chair of the Committee, said: “As an industry-led group, acting independently, we will work closely with the new owners to ensure the highest standards of classification, consistency across Britain and absolute fairness between processors and farmers.
“It is very encouraging that farmer and processor groups have jointly agreed a comprehensive Quality Standard which will guide our work, and which also gives producers a right of appeal, should a dispute arise.
“This is a new era and farmers should be in no doubt that we will protect the independence of classification for the good of the industry.”
'Transparency'
Nick Allen, of the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) said they were looking for a seamless transfer and it would be business as usual for suppliers.
"It is about ensuring transparency and fairness for all involved in the meat processing sector,” he said.
Dafydd Jarrett, of NFU Cymru, added: “The continuation of an independent, transparent and consistent grading system, with an easy-to-access appeal process is important and NFU Cymru believes that what is now being put in place will enable this to happen.”
AHDB believes that by moving MLCSL into the private sector with a company that has a strong track record of delivering independent services to the meat industry, it will open up opportunities for greater efficiencies and synergies that would not be possible under the current public ownership model and secure the future of independent classification in Britain.
A year-long process was undertaken to identify suitable companies that met criteria set down by the AHDB Board, including value for money, a track record of delivering independent services and a commitment to the long term future of the business.
