Latest news with #EdieBowles
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New report reveals disturbing tactics used by major food companies to mislead their customers: 'There is a serious concern'
Most consumers in the United Kingdom have a false impression of how animals are raised for food. The Animal Law Foundation found that over 84% of producers use misleading imagery in their advertising and packaging, VegNews reported. A comprehensive investigation of nearly 50 producers of animal products found widespread use of deceptive marketing. While most companies show animals living healthy lives outdoors, the reality is starkly different — about 85% of the U.K.'s farm animals are brought up in factory farms. The report, titled Food Chain Misinformation, examined websites, advertisements, and products from major food producers and supermarkets. All nine major supermarkets showed healthy animals outdoors on their websites, creating a pastoral image that rarely exists in modern farming. "The reality for millions of animals is not what is reflected on the food market, where the dominant image for the public is of happy and healthy animals," said Edie Bowles, Animal Law Foundation executive director, according to VegNews. This type of marketing, which experts call "humane-washing," similar to greenwashing, misleads consumers who care about animal welfare. Per VegNews, the report states: "There is a serious concern that the way farmed animals' lives are depicted and the way animal products are sold contribute to the prevalent impression that all farmed animals in the U.K. live in high welfare conditions. This type of content can be misleading to consumers and interfere with their purchasing decisions." A survey found that nearly three-quarters of consumers are highly concerned about animal welfare in food production, making these misleading images particularly problematic. The problem affects more than just animal welfare. Factory farming harms our environment in multiple ways, contributing to rising global temperatures, air pollution, and deforestation, according to Plant Based News. These industrial facilities also create serious health risks. Cramming animals together in unhygienic conditions breeds disease and increases pandemic risk. Health experts worry that bird flu is only a few mutations away from spreading among humans. Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. New regulations may help address this issue. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, which just took effect in April, will prohibit using false or misleading information to sell products. For consumers wanting to make informed choices, look beyond marketing images. Seeking third-party certifications with strict standards can help identify companies with good animal welfare practices. Reducing the consumption of animal products altogether is the most effective way to avoid supporting factory farming. Plant-based alternatives are much gentler on our planet — plus, they continue to improve in taste and variety. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
BBC News
11-03-2025
- BBC News
Farmer suspended after video shows Northallerton dairy cow abuse
A farmer has been suspended from supplying milk to the UK's largest dairy company after secret filming seemingly showed cows being kicked, beaten and struck with apparent electric goads. Video of the actions by employees at the farm in Northallerton in North Yorkshire was captured by an undercover worker for the welfare group Animal Justice appears to show dead calves left in the open as well as cows, struggling to walk, being forced onto transport processor Arla said the farmer had been suspended and "all individuals identified mistreating animals no longer work on the farm". A spoksperson for the company said the actions shown in the footage were "completely unacceptable and do not meet the high standards that we expect from our farmers".They added: "Animal welfare is of the utmost importance and we take a zero-tolerance approach. We take any matters relating to this extremely seriously. "While the investigation is still ongoing, we have already put a number of measures in place alongside independent auditors and external standards organisations."During the undercover investigation, which was prompted by an anonymous tip-off, the footage seemingly captured cows being kicked, punched, and struck with pipes and apparent electric to the BBC, the undercover worker claimed that cows were mistreated from "the very first shift".He said: "The group of cows are milked three times a day on rotational shifts and every single shift cows get hit and beaten."The video footage showed what appeared to be "routine cruelty to cows and calves, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of enforcement", Animal Justice Project said. The welfare group claimed it also "uncovered overcrowding, with sheds designed for 125 cows crammed with up to 214, forcing animals to stand in their own waste." Edie Bowles, solicitor for Advocates for Animals, said: "Legal protections are in place to protect farmed animals from exactly this, so why does the footage indicate that the keepers of these dairy cows are able to behave this way on a seemingly regular basis in front of one another?"Is it the case that the laws that protect animals are not taken seriously?"The farm had been Red Tractor certified, meaning the milk has been deemed to have been produced in accordance with British standards. In a statement, Red Tractor said it took "animal welfare extremely seriously"."Within eight hours of Red Tractor receiving the footage an independent assessor was on the farm to investigate this unacceptable behaviour by farm workers. "This inspection confirmed all individuals identified mistreating animals no longer work on the farm."Red Tractor said those still working on the farm would be required to complete additional added: "Depending on the outcome of further investigation, the farm may also face other sanctions."An RSPCA spokesperson said: "This is incredibly distressing and completely unacceptable behaviour. "All farmed animals must be treated with respect."Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
