Consumer advice when buying pork and bacon
Unclear labelling
Unlike chicken meat and eggs, there is no legal requirement across the EU to state country of origin or method of production. However some UK supermarkets are beginning to provide pig meat labels for consumers such as “free-range”, “outdoor bred and reared” and “straw bedding provided” all of which provide higher welfare potential.
For the best pig welfare look out for Soil Association organic label, free-range, outdoor bred and reared and RSPCA Freedom Food. Also check for country of origin – if available. Buying British doesn’t guarantee you high welfare but is definitely better than most European imports.
For the best welfare look out for:
- Organic particularly Soil Association guarantees the highest welfare standards
- Free-range, outdoor bred and outdoor reared offer higher welfare potential but these labels still lack legal definition
- RSPCA Freedom Food (indoor and outdoor systems) offers higher welfare but allows limited use of farrowing crates
- British does not guarantee good welfare but is better than imported unless supermarket stipulates UK standards
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