There are new and valid concerns regarding the welfare of animals on UK farms. In a recent investigation, footage was obtained by the animal rights group Animal Equality. It depicted pigs being brutally mistreated over a period of 10 days. If you are concerned about the welfare of animals and what you eat, there is something you can do. Many people are becoming aware of the presence of factory meat in their diet and their wish to reduce consumption of such meat.
One option is to consider becoming a vegetarian or vegan. However, if you still wish to consume meat, you can still reduce the amount of factory meat in your diet:
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Eat Less
By reducing your overall intake of meat can greatly reduce the presence of factory meat in your diet. It is generally recommended that dedicating at least one day of the week to meat-free food can be beneficial for both your diet and the environment. There is a vast amount of meat alternatives that are available at your local supermarket, along with many meat-free recipes that are easily accessible on the internet.
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Buy Better
Generally, organic meat has the highest standards of welfare, much better than factory meat. Consumers can be assured that the animal and their meat was treated well and had a humane death. Read labels wherever possible so that you can choose the meat with the best welfare standards possible. Look out for Soil Association certification or RSPCA assured labels.
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Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
In our everyday lives, we can easily control the meat that we buy and consume. However, when visiting a restaurant there is much less control. Unless the menu states that the meat in a dish is organic, free range or welfare certified ask where it has come from. The more people who make it clear that they won’t eat such meat will put more pressure onto dining establishments to make better choices with their meat options.
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Don’t Limit Yourself to the Supermarket
If you live near a farmer’s market or a local butcher, get your meat from there. Again, ask questions about the meat and where it comes from. As a result, you can easily find meat that has higher welfare and is better for the environment. Furthermore, you will be greatly benefitting the local economy.
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Avoid Ready Meals and Take-aways Where Possible
If meat is an ingredient in your ready meal or take-away, and isn’t labelled as high welfare you may want to avoid it. This can be difficult if you don’t have much time or simply don’t want to cook, but the meat in these meals are likely to be poor quality because it’s harder to trace.
