SIXTY animal protection organisations called on the RSPCA today to drop its food certification scheme.

Almost 4,000 farms are certified through the animal welfare charity’s Assured label, which is meant to indicate that meat, fish, eggs and dairy foods have been produced to high standards. 

But earlier this year, 60 investigations conducted by Animal Rising across 40 of the farms exposed hundreds of animal welfare breaches.

The charity has been accused of overlooking serious failings such as poor hygiene, overcrowding and physical abuse of livestock.

Queen guitarist Brian May resigned as RSPCA vice-president following the allegations.

He wrote on Instagram: “I have understood that the RSPCA needed time to evaluate the evidence and make decisions on action to be taken.

“But as more and more damning evidence comes to light, I find the RSPCA’s response completely inadequate.”

A spokeswoman for the charity said it had received “different views from Brian on how best to approach this complex challenge,” but added that its bosses “respect his views and understand his decision.”

The RSPCA is currently carrying out a “fine-grain and comprehensive review” of its process.

The charity’s president, television presenter Chris Packham, also called for the scheme to be suspended. 

He and Mr May were among the signatories to an open letter calling for the Assured label to be dropped, along with 60 organisations including Peta, Animal Rising and the Animal Justice Project.

Animal Rising actions co-ordinator Rose Patterson said: “Our investigations have shown that even at the so-called highest standard, cruelty is endemic in animal farming.”