The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health (Anses) has just released new standards for the development of a labeling system for products of animal origin. The goal is to harmonize current systems and focus on the well-being of the animals themselves, rather than just their living conditions.
Anses conducted an expert evaluation to provide the livestock sector with a scientific basis for this new labeling system. The guidelines recommend a five-level well-being classification, ranging from A (best) to E (lowest), with level E meeting only basic European welfare legislation requirements.
Julie Chiron, Anses expert coordinator, explains that current animal welfare labels often only consider breeding methods and improvement efforts, missing the mark on overall well-being. The new system proposed by Anses focuses on measuring animal well-being directly, using indicators such as genetic characteristics, breeding techniques, and living conditions.
Experts have identified key factors that influence animal well-being at every stage of their life, including housing, feeding, health measures, and reproduction. The evaluation protocol proposed by Anses includes measurable indicators and ways to improve animal welfare, such as providing suitable food for different species and allowing for natural behaviors.
Florence Etoré, head of the unit assessing risks related to animal welfare and health, explains that the new framework is aimed at French and European scientists and stakeholders in the industry. The system must be tailored to each sector and developed collaboratively with livestock professionals, animal protection groups, and scientists.
Experts stress that the cost of improving animal welfare should be shared among all parties, given the increasing societal demand for better treatment of animals. The new labeling system aims to provide consumers with transparent information and help producers make strides in animal welfare.