GLOUCESTER, United Kingdom—The majority of consumers in the United Kingdom are confused by the abundance of animal welfare logos and labels on fresh meat packs, according to results of a new survey conduced by AB Sustain. The findings reveal 93% of those surveyed are in favor of abolishing the labels and prefer retailers implement their own single standard.
The survey also found 94% of consumers said animal welfare standards for fresh meat should also apply to frozen and processed foods, with 98% saying supermarkets should enforce the same standards of animal welfare on imported meat as on meat from British farms.
Approximately 65% of respondents said they are prepared to pay a premium for meat and fish that has been ethically and humanely treated throughout its life cycle; only 27% said they would not consider paying extra.
Johanna Buitelaar Warden, head of animal welfare at AB Sustain, said: “People should be well informed about what these schemes stand for and should feel confident that each retailer is sticking to a high level of animal welfare consistent with their reputation. It seems that the vast majority of people agree with our theory."
