How can I know that the meat I buy in supermarkets or at the butchers has come from an animal that was slaughtered humanely?
A 5. All animals slaughtered in approved slaughterhouses in the UK should have been treated humanely, in accordance with legislation, retailer standards and the welfare policy of individual plants. In addition, there are many farm assurance schemes operating within the UK that lay down animal welfare standards. Producers, hauliers and abattoirs which seek accreditation to a given scheme must comply with these standards. Retailers frequently specify their own welfare standards to which all their suppliers must adhere. Increasing numbersof consumers are concerned about the welfare of farmed livestock. If you are specifically concerned with the welfare of animals at slaughter and killing, it is worth researching retailers’ welfare policies and assurance schemes, particularly those geared towards welfare beyond the farm gate. Details of the majority of farm assurance schemes in the UK can be found at the Defra website (http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/trade/assurance/) and elsewhere, eg at the