Food delivery platform Deliveroo is facing criticism after the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) raised concerns over the company's alleged failure to uphold animal welfare standards in its supply chain.
The RSPCA has accused Deliveroo of not doing enough to ensure that the meat and animal products sold through its platform meet ethical and welfare guidelines. The charity claims that many suppliers linked to Deliveroo in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland fall short of acceptable standards, leaving animals in potentially "unhappy" conditions.
Growing Pressure on Food Delivery Giants
The controversy comes as food delivery services face increasing scrutiny over their ethical and environmental impact. Consumers are becoming more conscious of where their food comes from, and animal welfare is a key concern.
"We urge Deliveroo to take immediate action to improve transparency and enforce higher welfare standards across its supply chain," an RSPCA spokesperson said.
Deliveroo's Response
Deliveroo has responded by stating that it works with thousands of restaurants and suppliers, all of which are expected to comply with UK animal welfare laws. The company emphasised its commitment to ethical sourcing but acknowledged there is "always room for improvement."
"We take these concerns seriously and are reviewing our policies to ensure we meet the expectations of our customers and partners," a Deliveroo representative said.
What This Means for Consumers
For customers who prioritise animal welfare, the RSPCA advises checking whether restaurants and suppliers display recognised welfare certifications, such as the RSPCA Assured label.
As the debate continues, pressure mounts on Deliveroo and similar platforms to adopt stricter ethical guidelines—or risk losing environmentally and ethically conscious consumers.
