Document Owner: Technical Department
Approved by: Senior Management
Review Frequency: Annual or upon significant change
Applies to: All suppliers and service providers

1. Company Details

Company Name: Met Foods Limited
Registered Address: Turpin Lane, Manor Park, Erith, Kent, DA8, United Kingdom

This Supplier Code of Conduct (“the Code”) sets out the minimum standards and expectations for all suppliers, contractors, service providers and business partners supplying goods or services to Met Foods Limited.

Compliance with this Code is a condition of doing business with Met Foods Limited.

2. Scope of Application

This Code applies to all suppliers, including but not limited to:

• Raw material and ingredient suppliers
• Packaging suppliers
• Contract manufacturers
• Laboratories and testing services
• Logistics, transport and warehousing providers
• Cleaning, pest control, maintenance and engineering services
• Labour providers and recruitment agencies

Suppliers are responsible for ensuring their own suppliers and subcontractors also comply with the principles of this Code.

3. Legal and Standards Compliance

Suppliers must, at a minimum, comply with:

• All applicable local, national and international laws and regulations
• BRCGS Food Safety Standard (Issue 9) principles
• Marks & Spencer Manufacturing Standard
• SMETA / Sedex Ethical Trade requirements
• UK Modern Slavery Act 2015
• B Corp principles relating to social and environmental responsibility

Where requirements differ, the most stringent requirement shall apply.

4. Ethical Business Conduct

Suppliers must conduct business with integrity and transparency, including:

• Zero tolerance for bribery, corruption, fraud or unethical behaviour
• Compliance with applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption legislation
• No offering or accepting of gifts or incentives intended to improperly influence business decisions
• Accurate and honest business records and communications

5. Labour Standards & Human Rights

Met Foods Limited is committed to protecting human rights. Suppliers must ensure:

5.1 Forced and Child Labour

• No use of forced, bonded or involuntary labour
• No use of child labour; workers must meet the legal minimum working age
• Workers must be free to leave employment in accordance with the law

5.2 Fair Treatment

• No discrimination, harassment, abuse or intimidation
• Equal opportunities regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation

5.3 Wages and Working Hours

• Payment of at least legal minimum wage or industry standard (whichever is higher)
• Working hours comply with applicable laws
• Overtime is voluntary and fairly compensated

6. Health, Safety & Welfare

Suppliers must provide a safe and hygienic working environment, including:

• Effective health and safety management systems
• Risk assessments and appropriate control measures
• Adequate training, supervision and personal protective equipment
• Access to clean facilities, drinking water and welfare provisions

7. Environmental Responsibility

Suppliers are expected to operate responsibly and minimise environmental impact by:

• Complying with environmental legislation
• Reducing waste, emissions and resource consumption
• Managing chemicals safely
• Preventing pollution and environmental contamination
• Supporting sustainability and continuous improvement in environmental performance

8. Food Safety, Quality & Product Integrity

Where applicable, suppliers must:

• Operate effective food safety and quality management systems
• Ensure full traceability of materials and products
• Prevent food fraud and adulteration
• Accurately declare ingredients, allergens and specifications
• Notify Met Foods Limited immediately of any food safety, quality or legality concerns

No changes to products, processes, raw materials or specifications may be made without prior written approval from Met Foods Limited.

9. Audits, Monitoring & Verification

Suppliers must:

• Cooperate with audits, inspections and assessments (announced or unannounced)
• Complete supplier questionnaires and provide supporting evidence when requested
• Implement corrective actions within agreed timescales
• Maintain records demonstrating compliance with this Code

Failure to cooperate may result in suspension or termination of supply.

10. Whistleblowing & Reporting Concerns

Suppliers must have mechanisms in place to allow workers to raise concerns confidentially and without retaliation.

Suppliers are encouraged to report any actual or suspected breaches of this Code to Met Foods Limited promptly.

11. Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this Code may result in:

• Corrective action plans
• Increased monitoring or audits
• Suspension or termination of business relationship

12. Acknowledgement

By supplying goods or services to Met Foods Limited, suppliers acknowledge and agree to comply with this Supplier Code of Conduct.