Welfare Science

Farm Animal Welfare in Retail Supply Chains

Retailer welfare commitments have driven significant improvements in farm animal welfare through supply chain standards and auditing.

Key Facts

Major UK retailers have committed to cage-free eggs, slower-growing broilers, and higher welfare standards
Supply chain auditing by retailers extends welfare standards beyond minimum legal requirements
Retailer competition on welfare standards has raised the floor for farm animal welfare
Consumer facing commitments create accountability for retailer welfare policies

Welfare Considerations

Retailer supply chain welfare commitments represent one of the most powerful levers for improving farm animal welfare at scale. When major retailers require higher welfare standards, producers respond. Maintaining and expanding these commitments through consumer pressure and NGO engagement drives systemic change.

What You Can Do

Thank retailers with strong welfare commitments and ask them to maintain progress
Switch purchases toward retailers with stronger welfare policies
Support NGO campaigns tracking and pressing retailer welfare commitments