Livestock Welfare Standards Globally

Global livestock welfare standards vary enormously, with imports from countries with lower standards creating challenges for welfare-motivated consumer choices.

Key Facts

The UK imports significant quantities of food from countries with lower welfare standards
Brazil, one of the largest beef exporters, has minimal farm welfare legislation
WTO rules constrain the ability to restrict imports on animal welfare grounds
Trade deals can either raise or lower effective welfare standards for imported products
The OIE sets international animal welfare guidelines that are voluntary for member countries

Welfare Considerations

The welfare gap between UK-produced and imported animal products means that consumer welfare choices are only effective if they consider origin. Choosing UK-produced meat from assured schemes protects against lower-welfare imports. Advocacy for trade deals that maintain UK welfare standards for imports prevents consumer welfare choices from being undermined by cheaper lower-welfare alternatives. International welfare standard harmonisation through OIE guidelines benefits billions of animals globally.

What You Can Do

Check origin of animal products and prefer UK-produced where welfare is a priority
Support trade policies requiring imported animal products to meet UK welfare standards
Advocate for OIE welfare guidelines to be made mandatory rather than voluntary
Engage with political parties on their international trade and animal welfare policies
Support international animal welfare organisations working in producer countries