Brussels, 28/10/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 28 October, the European Commission adopted a report in which it outlines a series of options to make it easier for consumers to identify and choose welfare-friendly products, and thereby give an economic incentive to producers to improve the welfare and slaughter conditions of their animals.
Among the options are the establishment of requirements for the voluntary use of animal welfare claims, the establishment of a voluntary Community Animal Welfare Label open for all to use, provided they meet the criteria, and the drafting of guidelines for animal welfare labelling and quality schemes. Other policy options cover the labelling of welfare standards for farm animals for food production, the labelling of the farming system used for food production and the labelling of compliance with EU minimum standards or equivalents. The Commission is also considering setting up a European Network of Reference Centres for the protection and welfare of animals. This network could provide technical support for the development and implementation of animal welfare policies, including certification and labelling. (L.C./transl.rt)