Multiple audit standards apply to UK pig production. Understanding what they mean — and their limitations — helps consumers and advocates make informed welfare choices.
Audit standards vary substantially in their welfare ambition and rigour. Red Tractor provides a baseline that prevents the worst practices but does not require the positive welfare conditions that evidence supports. RSPCA Assured sets higher standards aligned with welfare science and requires outcome-based measurement. Consumers choosing between audit-certified products are choosing between different welfare ambition levels — better labelling and consumer education are needed to make this meaningful.