Who we are
Quality Trout UK aims to maintain standards that prescribe best practices in the process of the UK’s trout farming industry and in the sale of its produce whilst continuing to drive improvement in farming practice from within the industry.
The introduction of Quality Trout UK in 2000 was a significant achievement for the trout farming industry. For the first time, trout farming enjoyed a UK-wide, integrated production and processing standard, from fingerling to farm to fork. The standard addresses all stages of trout production, from hatchery to ongrowing and harvest and allows for participating scheme members to trade with confidence across the country.
Initially introduced to provide reassurance to retailers with regard to product traceability, quality and food safety, Quality Trout UK has rapidly developed to cover all aspects of rainbow trout farming in the UK and is recognised both as a pioneering and leading certification scheme for trout farming in Europe. The QTUK standards have been presented to a number of other producer associations as a suggested template for their own potential national schemes.
Over the years Quality Trout UK has responded to the concerns of its members, customers, multiple retailers and consumers, as well as to changes in scientific understanding and improved environmental awareness, by introducing further assessment criteria covering issues such as the sustainable farming of trout, fish welfare, humane harvest and the increased awareness of food safety.
The UK is the only European Union producer that operates an ISO/IEC 17065 standard specifically for trout production.
Quality Trout UK Ltd is managed by a Board of Directors drawn from the UK trout industry and associated suppliers.
Quality Trout UK is also supported by a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) whose members are again drawn from the trout industry, associated supply industry (e.g. feed, pharmaceutical), the certifying body and other interested parties. The TAC is independently chaired by a representative of the trout farming industry trade body, the British Trout Association Ltd (BTA).
Quality Trout UK has been established since
and is the only European Union producer association that operates an EN 45011 standard specifically for trout production.
Welcome to Quality Trout UK
Established over a decade ago, Quality Trout UK (QTUK) is both the longest standing and pre-eminent quality assurance scheme for trout farming in the UK.
Focussing on product quality, food safety and full traceability from hatchery to processor, the QTUK standards also aim to be at the forefront of environmental best practice, fish welfare and continuing improvement.
Developed by the UK trout industry itself, Quality Trout UK Ltd owns and maintains quality standards created by and for the UK trout farming industry on a not for profit basis. Quality Trout UK defines the procedures and practices for trout farming and ensures products are farmed to a consistently high quality. Certification to the QTUK standards is recognised by most major UK multiple retailers and is also a requirement of several export customers. QTUK scheme members are inspected annually by an independent, UKAS accredited certifying body.
The Quality Trout UK standard is an ISO/IEC 17065 certified scheme.
ensures the highest standards in farmed trout production, addressing traceability, product quality, food safety, fish health and welfare and best farming practice throughout the supply chain.
For any queries relating to Quality Trout UK or becoming an accredited member please fill out the enquiry form below.