Document type: article published by the OABA
Author: OABA
Preview: Among the existing SIQO labels (Official Signs of Quality and Origin for Food Products), the two best known are the “Organic Farming” (AB) label and the Label Rouge. In addition to these, there are new organic labels that place greater emphasis on certain criteria, such as banning the mutilation of pigs or the use of slatted floors. Examples include Bio Cohérence, Demeter, and Nature et Progrès. These are mainly found in organic stores.
(…) Contrary to popular belief, the “Agriculture Biologique” (AB) label has much stricter standards than the Label Rouge when it comes to animal welfare. In fact, the AB label requires that “suffering be kept to a minimum throughout the animal’s entire life, including during slaughter.” Whereas the Label Rouge was, initially, a label focused on product quality. Despite the existence of these labels, it was high time to implement a more comprehensive labeling system, guaranteeing that farming, transport, and slaughter practices respect animal animal welfare to the greatest extent possible.
This is how the OABA helped create the “ animal welfare label .” It features a rating (on a scale from A to E) that informs consumers about the animal’s life from birth through slaughter. The rating is based on 235 criteria, validated by animal welfare experts, including our colleague Dr. Michel Courat, D.V.M. Currently available only for broiler chickens, the label is intended to be expanded to as many species as possible.
In summary, for those who still wish to eat meat, the OABA recommends that consumers prioritize:
-poultry rated A on the Animal Welfare Label, or poultry rated B accompanied by the Organic Agriculture, Bio Cohérence, or Label Rouge certification
-beef certified as Bio Cohérence or Organic Agriculture
-organic pork, rated A on the Animal Welfare Label (when available)
-organic sheep and goat products
-organic rabbits
Learn more about the Animal Welfare Label
