Avoiding common non-conformances
No-one likes getting a non-conformance, so here’s some helpful advice on how to avoid them.
We know that Red Tractor pig farmers are committed to the welfare of the animals they care for, the success of their businesses, and the quality of the food they produce. Members exert great effort throughout the year to ensure that their practices align with the stringent standards set by Red Tractor.
Consequently, we know that members strive to avoid any non-conformances being raised during assessments. An examination of the common causes for non-conformances this year reveals that they primarily stem from standards that were recently introduced or revised in the latest version of the standards launched in November 2021.
Training and data management:
The most frequent non-conformances relate to training and the management of various data, which may appear to pose an insignificant risk to the industry's reputation. However, when the non-conformance is about training or accurate recording of medicine usage records, it can potentially become problematic. For instance, feedback from a retailer suggests that some farmers' approved lists of medicines do not match their documented records, which could imply a relaxed approach to medicine use and control.
Welfare:
Non-conformances are also commonly raised regarding the provision of safe housing, clean water, and proper feeding, as well as the care (or lack thereof) of sick animals. These issues are clearly more damaging to the industry and can have significant consequences. Additionally, it remains a challenge for some farms to provide appropriate and sufficient enrichment for the animals, despite it being a legal requirement since 1994.
Bins:
Furthermore, we know that some dead bins have been left unlocked, and while this may not directly endanger animal welfare, it does present an opportunity for activists to capture distressing footage.
For guidance on how to avoid common non-conformances, please refer to the Red Tractor Assurance website here.
