According to a new, global industry analysis, animal welfare has risen up the priority list for food companies, but remains a relatively underdeveloped item in reporting and communicating with consumers.
The fifth annual Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare scores companies on their approach to managing animal welfare in several categories. The companies are then allocated to six tiers, in terms of their performance.
Of 99 brands assessed across manufacturing, foodservice and retail, 73% now have formal policies in place, up from just 46% in 2012. Around two thirds have specified welfare-related targets -- the most popular of which were restrictions on the routine use of antibiotics and the avoidance of close confinement.
Of the 36 manufacturers and producers reviewed, only one -- the Brazilian giant Marfrig -- had gone down in the rankings since last time, by two tiers. British companies Noble Foods and Cranswick led the manufacturing rankings. The authors conclude that animal welfare is rising in prominence as a concern taken seriously along supply chains. Read the full report here.
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Published Friday 27 January 2017
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
