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The food we choose has a direct impact on how farm animals live. So, here's a handy guide to help you shop compassionately.

This guide features UK certification schemes, but much of the advice on the standards to look out for applies to other countries too.

Look out for these labels

Not all food labels are equal! If you want to buy higher welfare meat, eggs and dairy, these labels can help.

Organic

Organic

Offers higher welfare potential

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Organic standards offer the potential for higher animal welfare, with more space and access to outdoors. They may also include other higher welfare requirements, such as banning mutilations, and will involve the use of lower levels of artificial fertilisers and pesticides.

The Soil Association Organic label has the highest organic welfare standards in the UK.

Other labels to look out for in the UK include the Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA), and Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G).

Please note that EU organic certification may not guarantee animals have access to the outdoors. In particular for some dairy products, such as Parmesan and Grana Padano cheeses.

Free range

Free range

Access to the outdoors

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Free range animals have access to the outdoors and lead a more natural life.

In many countries, including the UK and European Union, free range labels for hens' eggs and poultry meat are underpinned by minimum legal outdoor space requirements.

Pasture for Life

Pasture for Life

Animals raised on grass and forage

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Pasture for Life (PFLA) is a UK certification under which animals are raised exclusively on grass and forage, and have access to pasture. This increases animal welfare potential, and can have a positive impact on the environment.

RSPCA Assured

RSPCA Assured

Certifies outdoor and indoor farms

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The RSPCA Assured certification scheme applies in the UK only. It includes free range, outdoor and indoor rearing systems where more space and enrichment are provided.

For any farming system, RSPCA accreditation gives higher welfare potential than a product without this certification.

Red Tractor Enhanced Welfare

Red Tractor Enhanced Welfare

Higher welfare indoor chicken

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Red Tractor now have an Enhanced Welfare certification for indoor chicken farms.

Products with the 'Enhanced Welfare' marque come from farms which give animals more space, an enriched environment, and rear slower growing breeds.

Your compassionate shopping list

When you're food shopping, look out for the higher welfare labels below.

For each product, the labels are listed in order of animal welfare potential – highest first.

Plant-based meals Many shops offer great vegetarian and vegan food, for everyday meals or special occasions. You can also search online for exciting recipes to try at home!
Chicken
  • Social Association Organic
  • RSPCA Assured – Free Range
  • Red Tractor – Free Range
  • RSPCA Assured - indoor
  • Red Tractor Enhanced Welfare (note – does not apply to standard Red Tractor certification)
Turkey, Duck and Goose
  • Soil Association Organic
  • Organic
  • RSPCA Assured (turkey only)
  • Free range
Pork, ham, sausages and bacon
  • Soil Association Organic
  • Organic (UK origin)
  • RSPCA Assured
  • Free range
  • Outdoor reared
  • Outdoor bred
Beef and rosé veal
  • Pasture for Life
  • Soil Association Organic
  • Organic
  • British (straw is legally required in calf housing in the UK)
Lamb and mutton
  • Soil Association Organic
  • Organic
  • RSPCA Assured
Milk, cream, butter and cheese
  • Pasture for Life
  • Soil Association Organic
  • Organic (UK origin)
  • Free range (Pasture Promise)
  • RSPCA Assured
Eggs
  • Soil Association Organic
  • Organic
  • Free range
  • Barn
Quail eggs
  • Free range (outside aviary)
  • Free to fly (barn system)
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If you have any further questions regarding this, or any other matter, please get in touch with us at supporters@ciwf.org.uk. We aim to respond to all queries within two working days. However, due to the high volume of correspondence that we receive, it may occasionally take a little longer. Please do bear with us if this is the case. Alternatively, if your query is urgent, you can contact our Supporter Engagement Team on +44 (0)1483 521 953 (lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).