France Proposes Animal Welfare Labeling System for Food Products

France is taking a significant step forward in animal welfare by proposing a new five-level classification labeling system designed to better inform consumers about the standards of animal welfare associated with food products. This initiative comes in response to a growing demand across Europe for higher animal welfare standards and more transparent labeling.

Currently, European law sets specific standards for various species, including calves, laying hens, and broilers. However, many consumers and experts believe that existing animal welfare labels are insufficient. Julie Chiron, an expert appraisal coordinator at France’s food agency ANSES, emphasizes that the current focus on rearing methods alone does not adequately address animal welfare concerns.

To address these gaps, ANSES has proposed a system similar to the Nutri-Score used for nutritional information. This new labeling system would classify animal welfare standards from highest (A) to lowest (E). Unlike traditional labels that mainly consider rearing methods, this system aims to provide a more comprehensive assessment. It will evaluate animal welfare based on scientific indicators measured directly on the animals themselves. Additionally, it will consider the living conditions of the parents of food-producing animals, ensuring a more holistic approach.

Chiron argues that focusing solely on rearing conditions is insufficient. Instead, ANSES’s proposal aligns with its 2018 definition of animal welfare, which emphasizes the well-being of the animals themselves. The proposed system would extend assessments to non-food-producing animals as well, such as those in selective breeding and reproduction farms. These animals, crucial for enhancing genetic traits and supplying food-producing animals, also deserve adequate welfare standards.

The European Union mandates minimal animal welfare standards across its member states but allows individual countries to implement stricter measures if they choose. France’s initiative exemplifies this by potentially setting a higher benchmark. ANSES believes that the lowest score in the new system will encourage producers to adopt higher welfare standards. However, improving and assessing these standards comes with costs, which ANSES suggests should be borne by the stakeholders involved.

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