In a move welcomed by the RSPCA as a potential breakthrough in animal welfare, the UK government has announced that it will consider essential ways to label animal products production.
The much-anticipated response from Defra follows more than a year of general pressure and campaigns, and has led to a growing awareness of the need for greater transparency in the food system.
The announcement comes after a large consultation in which an overwhelming 99% of individuals and the majority of organizations support a clearer label on how to keep animals.
The RSPCA, which has long defended transparent food labeling through the #betterlabelsbetterchoices campaign, says the proposed reforms could empower consumers to make informed choices and support higher welfare agricultural practices.
With government’s broader food and animal welfare strategies expected this summer, the RSPCA is urging policymakers to act quickly and expand the scope of changes to cover all animal products.
“We’ve seen you get a lot of money,” said David Bowles, RSPCA’s Head of Public Affairs.
“This brings us one step closer to providing the public with the information they need to make an informed choice about what they eat.
“This legislative change could further enhance animal welfare to give consumers the opportunity to vote in their wallets and ensure farm animals live better lives.”
Overwhelming Public Support Sparks Action
The consultations concluded more than a year ago showed near-universal public support for clearer labeling.
This support surged to 86% of the organization when the proposal included animal products imported alongside those produced domestically. Despite the delay in publishing the findings, the publication of recent results offers new hope for reform.
The development followed sustained pressure from supporters of the RSPCA and #BetterLabelSbetterChoices campaign, and called on the government to announce its results and take decisive action.
More than 20,000 individuals support the campaign, highlighting widespread concerns about the lack of transparency in the current system.
Animal Product Labeling Gap
Currently, the UK does not require labeling to reveal how animals used in food production are being raised. Most consumers rely on voluntary schemes like the RSPCA.
This created fragmented, often obscure systems, making it difficult for shoppers to make informed ethical choices.
The issue poses new urgency in light of recent international trade transactions with countries such as the US and India, where illegal agricultural practices are widespread in the UK.
A decline in welfare imports has led to concerns that it could quickly move onto the shelves of UK supermarkets, covering local farmers and undermine consumer expectations regarding animal welfare.
Steps towards informed consumer choices
The UK government has acknowledged the strong consensus behind production labeling methods, confirming that these findings are considered part of the broader food and animal welfare strategies scheduled to be released this summer.
The RSPCA hopes that this milestone will arrive in a transformational period of both animal welfare standards and food transparency in the UK.
Importantly, DEFRA is working in partnership with delegated governments, indicating it is increasing the likelihood of implementation across the UK.
This collaborative approach helps to create consistent labeling standards across all countries and ensure clarity and equity for both producers and consumers.
Expand the scope for greater impact
While current consultations focused primarily on pork, chicken and eggs, animal welfare advocates are calling for broader application of these reforms.
The RSPCA extends essential labeling for all animal products, including fish, dairy and other meats, providing comprehensive transparency and urges the government to support high-rise UK farmers across the sector.
With the UK’s food strategy approaching publications, campaigners hope that the government will take critical action to introduce mandatory production labeling methods to help shoppers choose animal products tailored to ethical values.
Informational choices start with a clear label. And for animal welfare, it can make all the difference.
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