The European standard is given to product certification schemes that can demonstrate that their auditing processes are carried out in a consistent and reliable manner. The standard is awarded by UKAS, the government-appointed United Kingdom Accreditation Service.
Leigh Grant, chief executive of Freedom Food, said the endorsement is a great achievement.
"It gives consumers added reassurance that Freedom Food is auditing its salmon members to RSPCA welfare standards clearly and consistently.”
The standard covers the entire production system, from the farm to the retail shelf and members must ensure they adhere to the RSPCA's defining welfare standards. Scheme rules cover the type of system used, stocking rates, nutrition and health management.
The FF already has EN45011 accreditation for its dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, pigs, chicken, ducks, laying hens and pullets schemes. FF members are annually inspected by a team of qualified assessors, that carry out detailed audits of all farms, hauliers and abattoirs producing and manufacturing food under the scheme standards. They are also subject to spot checks by RSPCA Farm Livestock Officers to further ensure standards are maintained.