The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has appointed Eville and Jones and Hallmark Meat Hygiene to supply vets and meat inspectors for the delivery of Official Controls in meat plants.
Following what the FSA describes as a “comprehensive procurement process and extensive engagement with industry and stakeholders”, Eville and Jones will provide Official Controls in Lots 1 to 3, 5 to 7 and 9, while a consortium led by Hallmark Meat Hygiene will provide Official Controls in Lots 4 and 8.
FSA said the contracts would “secure the ongoing supply of vets” (Official Veterinarians) and Meat Hygiene Inspectors, who play a “vital role” in delivering FSA’s Official Controls.
Vets and Meat Hygiene Inspectors work together in abattoirs to ensure “high levels of animal welfare” and monitor processing right up to the point meat leaves the premises. These protections are an “essential part of keeping the nation’s food safe”, said FSA.
Junior Johnson, director of operations at the FSA, said: “We have entered the final stage of our thorough procurement process, and I am pleased to announce the outcome of the Official Controls retender exercise which confirms Eville and Jones and Hallmark Meat Hygiene as the preferred bidders.
“I believe this outcome will increase our resilience, service delivery capacity, scope for innovation in how we regulate the food system, whilst also providing value for money. A key factor in determining the outcome, was our desire to ensure that food businesses and stakeholders have full confidence in our ability to maintain high standards in the delivery of official controls in meat plants.”
FSA said it would observe a ten-day standstill period before entering into any contract with the successful tenderers, in accordance with the requirements of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Service delivery under the new contracts will begin on 31st March 2025.
