Animal welfare in meat production: NVWA pinpoints key issues

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) is making an urgent call for improvements in animal welfare within the meat industry. A recent report from the Bureau for Risk Assessment & Research (BuRO), part of the NVWA, reveals that current standards for housing, transporting, and slaughtering animals such as pigs and cattle often fall short. “Improving animal welfare requires stricter rules and collective effort,” states Gerard Bakker, Inspector General of the NVWA.

Legislation leaves room for improvement

While many companies in the meat sector comply with legal standards, the current regulations lack strength in protecting animal welfare. BuRO notes that animals often receive inappropriate feed, endure long transport times to slaughterhouses, and lack sufficient space or enrichment in their housing. A lack of materials for play and hard concrete floors contribute to discomfort and even behavioral issues, like tail-biting in pigs. The NVWA emphasizes the role of clear regulations in addressing these risks more effectively and providing the sector with practical guidelines.

Urgency and shared responsibility

According to Bakker, some welfare risks in animal husbandry are unavoidable, yet significant improvements remain possible. The NVWA appeals to the entire red meat sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, and other involved parties to take active responsibility in enhancing animal welfare. This effort extends beyond waiting for stricter regulations; Bakker suggests the sector can already take steps toward more humane practices.

BuRO’s report also addresses food safety. While the fundamentals are solid, the report advocates for measures to reduce antibiotic use, which could lower the presence of resistant bacteria in meat products. This would be an additional step toward safer products in the Dutch market.

Nvwa.nl