Labeling to inform consumers about the welfare of animals raised for food production is increasing in Europe. However, the criteria used vary greatly from one label to another. The European Union is considering creating harmonized labeling. In this context, ANSES carried out an expert evaluation to offer actors in the livestock sector a scientific basis on which to support this labeling. In its guidelines, the Agency recommends adopting a system with five levels of well-being, ranging from the best (A) to the lowest (E). Level E corresponds to exclusive compliance with the requirements imposed by European legislation on animal welfare, whether related to accommodation, transport or slaughter. This classification, easily understandable for the consumer, should also help producers to progressively improve the consideration of animal welfare.
Most existing animal welfare labels only take into account breeding methods and the means implemented to improve them. For this reason, the scientists of the ANSES working group recommend that the indicators to be evaluated refer mainly to the state of well-being of the animal, that is, based on measurements made on the animal itself.
Another of its specificities is to take into account not only the living conditions of animals destined for food production but must also include that of selection-multiplication animals. In the event that ancestry information is not available, experts believe that products should not be rated higher than level C.
May 2, 2024 / ANSES / France
https://www.anses.fr
