The supermarket is to roll out its Supplier Protectorline initiative, providing a confidential whistleblowing service for staff at suppliers to directly report concerns to the retailer.
Tesco has been trialling the project at its fresh meat and fish suppliers and is to roll out the scheme to all UK producers and manufacturers.
Under the scheme, which was originally established as a confidential internal helpline, suppliers in the UK and Ireland will be required to put up posters for the phone line to “ensure product quality and safety”.
One supplier told FPJ the scheme could represent a retaliation to the mooted grocery adjudicator, which the big four supermarkets have all opposed. He said: “The media are quick to jump on the retailers that step out of line and at the end of the day it’s public health that is at stake.
“The supermarkets can visit suppliers any time and this is just a further extension in securing their brand long-term. It will only be an issue for suppliers if you have something to worry about.”
A Tesco spokesperson said: “We expect staff to raise any issues or concerns with their line manager in the first instance but if their concerns are not resolved, they have the option to call the Tesco Protectorline.
“We must stress that no actions will be taken on the basis of an unsubstantiated allegation and we will work with suppliers to follow up on issues.”
He added that the move was a “positive step” for staff at Tesco and its suppliers.
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