At Eversfield Organic, transparency and trust are central to everything we do. So when customers ask about the occasional purple stamp seen on some of our organic meat cuts, we completely understand why it raises eyebrows—and we’re here to explain exactly what it means.
What Is the Stamp?
The stamps you might see on our meat are part of a legal and essential traceability system used across the UK and Europe. It’s known as the Official Health Mark or Inspection Stamp. Applied by a certified vet or food safety officer after slaughter, it confirms that the animal was inspected and approved as fit for human consumption.
This is a universal standard used in abattoirs to help track meat through the food chain—from farm to fork—offering full traceability and safety for consumers.
Is It Safe to Eat?
Yes, 100% safe. The ink used for the stamp is specially formulated food-grade dye, meaning it’s entirely edible and non-toxic. The ink is designed to withstand the production process without transferring or smudging but is safe to consume even if it remains visible on the final cut. In most cases, it disappears during cooking or can be trimmed off before serving.
Why Does It Happen?
At Eversfield Organic, we take immense pride in how we raise, handle, and process our animals. All of our meat is processed through certified organic abattoirs that meet the highest welfare and safety standards. These stamps are simply part of that process—a visual marker of quality control, not a flaw.
We understand that when people see a coloured mark on a beautiful organic cut, especially if they’re not familiar with its purpose, it can feel jarring. But it’s not a sign of artificial tampering or poor quality—in fact, it’s quite the opposite. It’s a mark of assurance that what you're buying has passed all rigorous health checks.
The Bigger Picture
Stamps like these are one small example of the complex systems in place to keep food safe and traceable in the UK. At Eversfield Organic, we go even further than those legal requirements. Our organic certification (via the Soil Association) demands higher welfare, stricter rules on feed, and complete transparency in the supply chain. So when you see a stamp, you’re not just seeing food safety in action—you’re seeing proof that we follow every rule, and then some.
Still Not Sure?
If you ever have questions or concerns about what you see on your meat, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We're always happy to explain, inform, and show you what goes on behind the scenes. After all, that’s what being organic—and being Eversfield—is all about.
