The aim of the Charter Scheme is to increase the British share of the bacon and ham market in the UK. The major bacon and ham manufacturers in the UK agreed to the independent monitoring of its industry, and this is undertaken by SAI Global, which is the appointed inspection and certification body.
Companies that wish to participate in the Bacon or Ham Scheme are required to be members of the British Meat Processors Association, which is also the holder of the Standards. The Bacon and Ham Schemes are approved Scheme under EN45011.
The Standards describe the quality standards for Charter Quality British Bacon and Ham, the operational procedures and practices for processing bacon and ham, the standards for the production environment and distribution.
Participating sites are required to have four inspections annually, one of which is incorporated into the annual BMPA/EFSIS evaluation.
Who the scheme covers
All manufacturers of Bacon, Ham and Pork Sausage.
Benefits of the scheme
The Standards sets down the requirements that participating plants must meet to be approved to carry the British Quality Mark for Bacon, Ham or Pork Sausage. (Where applicable from slaughter through to finished product)
One essential criteria is that all raw pork must be of British Farm Assured Origin.
Accepted by buyers
All major retailers in the UK
Who does the inspections?
SAI Global is the preferred inspection body. All of the SAI Global inspectors are suitably trained/qualified to undertake inspections and have a minimum 5 years experience within this sector.
Who does the certification?
SAI Global undertakes the Certification element. All the Certification officers are suitably trained and are required to adhere to the procedures for Certification which are assessed by UKAS.
