Welfare Science

Pig Welfare Labelling Consumer Transparency

Clear, standardised welfare labelling on pork products enables consumer choice that drives market-based welfare improvement.

Key Facts

Existing UK pork labels include RSPCA Assured, Red Tractor, free-range, and organic
Consumer research shows willingness to pay for higher welfare pork among significant market segments
Tiered labelling systems allow consumers to choose their preferred welfare level
Front-of-pack welfare labels are more effective than back-of-pack information
Mandatory welfare labelling would significantly increase consumer engagement with welfare

Welfare Considerations

Consumer engagement with welfare labelling is a welfare intervention that scales through market mechanisms. When consumers can easily identify and choose higher welfare products, it creates economic incentives for producers to improve. Mandatory front-of-pack welfare labelling would transform consumer engagement and market-driven welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Look for RSPCA Assured or higher welfare labels when buying pork
Support campaigns for mandatory front-of-pack welfare labelling
Engage with organisations advocating for standardised, meaningful welfare labelling systems