Welfare Science

Pig Welfare and Consumer Guide 2026

A practical guide to choosing pig welfare-friendly pork products, navigating labels and certifications with confidence.

Key Facts

Welfare labelling for pork varies enormously across markets and certifications
RSPCA Assured (UK), Global Animal Partnership, and similar schemes verify welfare standards
Outdoor-bred and free-range labels indicate minimum welfare benefits
Welfare certification audits are conducted at minimum annually by third-party assessors
Consumer demand for certified welfare pork has grown 25% in five years in the UK

Welfare Considerations

Consumer choices drive market change. Understanding labels and choosing certified products sends clear welfare signals to producers and retailers.

What You Can Do

Look for RSPCA Assured, Global Animal Partnership, or equivalent certified pork
Ask your supermarket or butcher about welfare certification for their pork
Reduce pork consumption as an alternative if certified options are unavailable