UK: Free-range pork is misleading
Animal welfare groups in the UK have stated that pork
labelled as free-range is misleading consumers.
Campaigners from Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) and the RSPCA say the
welfare of free-range pigs varies widely because there are no set EU standards,
such as those for chickens.
They maintain that some free-range pigs are born outside but spend most of
their time being fattened inside. Others are even born inside as their mothers
are housed for intensive breeding.
The government, however, maintains that UK pig welfare laws are tighter than
in the rest of Europe.
The British Pig Executive (BPEX) does agree with the campaign groups over the
current labelling system, which it says, needs improvement. In addition, it is
hoping to agree on a set of industry-wide standards.
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