RSPCA Freedom Foods Certification – What Does It Mean?
In the UK you can buy meat products that are from a known source.
So you can rest assured that the animals were treated with the basic standards we would expect, received medication when necessary and were not cooped up alone for weeks on end.
So what does the Freedom Food label actually tell you? It’s not organic, it’s not fair trade – so what is it for? It has been in place since 1994 so it is obviously here to stay and is taken seriously.
Below I have summarised the 5 main points from their own leaflet, so that you can be sure of these things when choosing this type of meat product over the other similar products on the shelf that don’t have the RSPCA Freedom Foods logo, (or those that are certified organic as this has a similar set of criteria).
Labelling in all countries allows for certain words and images to be used on meat products that are not a true representation of how the animals were treated or where they were kept.
For example the words ‘natural’ and ‘fresh’ mean absolutely nothing with regards to how the animals were reared or lived, and ‘produced in the UK’ doesn’t mean the animals ever saw the UK while alive – they could have been factory farmed in any other country in the world and shipped here after slaughter.
In addition, this RSPCA label (among others) is not connected to any food brands or food manufacturers, so you know it is only the animals they have in mind rather than profits!
So, here are the summarised points that mean that you could be making a difference to how your food is farmed:
1) Freedom From Hunger & Thirst:
These animals will have had access to fresh water and a suitable diet that maintains health and vigour.
2) Freedom From Discomfort:
These animals will be provided with an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3) Freedom From Pain, Injury Or Disease:
These animals will be living in an environment that helps prevent accidents and illnesses and offers rapid diagnosis and treatment if any of these are found.
4) Freedom To Express Normal Behaviour:
These animals are provided with sufficient space, proper facilities and the company of other animals of their own kind.
5) Freedom From Fear And Distress:
These animals will live in conditions that avoid mental suffering and offer a certain level of respect and care.
And due to this continuity of checks, Freedom Foods can be traced from their farm, through to their haulier, the abattoir and even right to the store! So you know that the animal you are about to eat has been cared for through it whole life.
The meats included in this scheme cover everything you could imagine, from eggs to beef, pork to duck and salmon to cheese! All meats and animal products are covered by this, so you can rest assured when buying any of them.
Just look for the label!