UK's public sector awarded for animal welfare

Published 29/11/2011

Last night, Monday 28th November 2011, Compassion in World Farming recognised over 40 hospitals, educational centres and local councils at the Public Procurement Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards in London.

The Awards were presented to organisations that are committed to improving the welfare of farm animals in their supply chains.

VIPs and champions of ethical food gave inspirational talks. Host, Jenny Jones - Green Assembly Member and former chair of London Food - spoke passionately about her bid to improve the food we eat as a nation, while TV chef, Allegra McEvedy MBE, talked about the importance of opting for higher welfare meat.

Awards were presented in three categories:

• Good Egg Award
• Good Chicken Award
• Good Dairy Award

The awards recognise the commitment these organisations are making to improving the lives of animals by specifying only higher welfare eggs, chicken or dairy produce for use in their catering operations.

• Among the 'good eggs' was Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Health Care NHS, who famously took part in Operation Hospital Food with chef James Martin.
• Waverley Council received a Good Chicken Award and are set to benefit 520,000 chickens with their commitment.
• Bath Spa University and Cardiff County Council received awards for both their egg and chicken policies.
• Winners of the Good Dairy awards were East Sussex County Council, University of Portsmouth, Oxford Brookes University and University of Winchester.

In her speech, Allegra McEvedy said: "My connection to these awards and all that they are trying to change is a source of huge honour to me. My MBE was for promoting healthier eating and ethical sourcing, and being a part of these awards brings both of these together.

"Any chef will be quick to tell you how much better food that has had a life tastes. But for once, flavour comes second. The primary reason I'll do anything I can to promote better standards in farming is simply that a life is a life, and even though this industry is all geared in one direction - our tummies - that is no excuse to abuse animals."

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