Published 18/04/2013

As more consumers are demanding to know where their meat comes from, McDonald's is stepping up to the proverbial plate and serving Freedom Food pork in all of its UK branches.

This is great news for pig welfare. The RSPCA's Freedom Food scheme ensures that the pigs involved are reared in spacious pens and meet higher standards for food, lighting and ventilation than that which is legally required.

Compassion has been working alongside McDonald's since 2008 to introduce higher welfare standards throughout its supply chain.

McDonald's has introduced cage-free eggs across its entire European operation and it is excellent news that welfare commitments have been extended to include pigs.

With huge companies such as McDonald's responding so positively to consumers wants and farm animal welfare; Compassion and its supporters' spirits should be lifted.

Continuing to work with such prominent companies means that it may only be a matter of time before other large restaurant chains follow suit.