Joe Bailey, RSPCA Assured head of farming, with Kate Quilton.
RSPCA Assured continues to make its mark
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ow in its 28th year, RSPCA Assured is proud to have about 25% of UK pig production operating under the RSPCA Assured scheme to the RSPCA’s welfare standards. And with more than 600 different pork products on offer in retail, pig production firmly remains one of RSPCA Assured’s biggest successes. In fact, RSPCA Assured labelled pork products account for nearly half of all the different RSPCA Assured products available. 2021 saw M&S expand its RSPCA Assured range to include all pork, farmed salmon, farmed trout, Oakham Gold chicken, milk and eggs. This means they now offer more RSPCA Assured products than any other retailer. But it’s not just in retail where RSPCA Assured continues to make its mark. As the scheme’s expansion into foodservice continues, it has launched a new supplier directory to make it easier for businesses to find RSPCA Assured suppliers. Today, more than 60% of UK consumers recognise the RSPCA Assured label - further reflecting the growing trend for higher welfare products*. And with the launch of its Welly Vision campaign, this figure is expected to continue growing. Welly Vision kickstarted in 2021 with a
22 PIG GUIDE 2022
10-minute micro-documentary focusing on pigs. Fronted by food campaigner and TV presenter, Kate Quilton, the YouTube video is aimed at people who eat bacon, sausages or other pork products, or who are interested in finding out more about pig farming. Keep an eye on RSPCA Assured’s social channels to see what Welly Vision has in store throughout 20202. For pork products to be labelled RSPCA Assured, all stages of a pig’s life must have been covered by the RSPCA’s standards including on farm, in transport and at the abattoir. Processors and packers must also be RSPCA Assured certified. The RSPCA standards are informed by scientific evidence and encourage best practice. The standards cover pig health, diet, environment, care and welfare outcomes. This includes the provision of bedding, nesting material for sows, environmental enrichment such as straw and prohibiting farrowing crates. All RSPCA Assured members receive annual assessments by specially-trained assessors and are subject to visits by RSPCA farm livestock officers to ensure standards are maintained. For more information and to find out how to become a member visit: https://business.rspcaassured.org.uk/ And don’t forget to follow RSPCA Assured on social media: Twitter: @rspcaassured Facebook: RSPCAAssured Instagram: @rspcaassured_official *4media Group poll of 2,000 UK respondents, October 2021.
