Meat sector launches social audits

The meat sector has started independent social audits on working conditions, safety, and ethical business practices. These audits are part of the “Gezond, veilig en eerlijk werk in de vleessector” action plan by VleesNL. This approach indirectly safeguards the working conditions of around 15,000 employees.

Monitoring based on international standards

The audits are conducted using the internationally recognized SMETA methodology. This method assesses compliance with ILO standards and national laws and regulations. It also evaluates how employees are treated and cared for.

The action plan, approved in the fall of 2025, includes sixteen measures. One of these is the requirement for members to carry out a SMETA audit periodically. The reports must be shared with VleesNL. For implementation, a collective agreement has been made with LRQA. This accredited certification body conducts the audits independently.

Focus on employees in the sector

Around 15,000 people work in the Dutch meat sector every day. Approximately 9,000 of them are of international origin. This represents less than 1.5% of all labor migrants in the Netherlands. Cases of misconduct in the sector are explicitly condemned by VleesNL. According to the industry organization, such cases harm not only employees but also companies and public support.

“We are committed to a future-proof sector where all employees can work safely, sustainably, and comfortably,” says Manon Houben, chair of VleesNL.

Part of a broader action plan

The SMETA audits align with the VleesNL Fair Employment Code for the meat sector. They serve as an important tool to verify compliance with sector agreements.

According to VleesNL, the audits are part of a broader set of improvement measures. Through these efforts, the sector aims to further embed responsibility for employees, with clear objectives and measurable progress. According to the sector, these measures make the introduction of a temporary employment ban unnecessary.

Vleesnl.nl