Flemish Animal Welfare Minister Ben Weyts has announced the introduction of a new animal welfare label called “Better for Animals” (Beter voor dieren). This label will first appear on pork products this year, with plans to expand to the poultry and beef sectors in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
The development of this label is in response to Minister Weyts’ request to improve and monitor animal welfare in the food chain in Flanders. The non-profit organization Association for the Promotion of Farm Animal Welfare has been working to create specifications for farmers, transporters, and slaughterhouses, as well as developing a monitoring system for compliance. They are also collaborating with the sector, independent scientists, and the organization Beter Leven from the Netherlands, which already runs a similar label.
The “Better for Animals” label will be awarded to products that go beyond legal requirements for animal welfare. This could include efforts such as avoiding unnecessary transport, providing additional enrichment, or giving animals extra space. The label will have three gradations: plus, two plus, and three plus, with each representing varying degrees of additional efforts for animal welfare. The specific criteria for each gradation are still being developed.
This new label is a significant step in promoting better animal welfare in the food industry, and it demonstrates the commitment of the Flemish government to improving the lives of farm animals. Its introduction is a positive development for both consumers and producers, as it provides transparency and accountability in the treatment of animals in the food chain. This move aligns with the growing global trend towards ethical and sustainable food production.
The “Better for Animals” label is set to bring about important changes in the industry and is a welcome development for animal welfare advocates and consumers alike.