The UK Government has launched a public consultation on proposals that could impact millions of products stocked in British supermarkets. Officials have outlined models for either a two- or three-year plan to introduce the change gradually.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has unveiled plans to prohibit the use of carbon dioxide gas to stun pigs before slaughter, a move that could transform supply chains across major supermarkets. Presently, approximately 90 per cent of pigs in the UK are stunned using high concentrations of CO2 prior to slaughter, with some 10 to 11 million pigs slaughtered throughout the UK annually.
Retailers Affected by the Proposed Ban
This technique is employed in the supply chains of major retailers including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Aldi, Lidl, Co-op, Marks and Spencer, and Waitrose.
According to Defra, it seeks to ban the practice to tackle widespread concerns regarding animal suffering during the process.
Welfare Concerns and Industry Transition
An introduction to the consultation states: "The evidence that carbon dioxide gas stunning causes significant pain, suffering and distress to pigs at the time of killing is well known.
"There is now clear evidence that alternative permitted stunning methods, such as the use of inert gases, will significantly reduce these welfare issues for pigs. We believe that a ban on carbon dioxide stunning of pigs in slaughterhouses and knacker's yards would result in a significant improvement to pig welfare at the time of killing, and that the transition away from carbon dioxide stunning should be managed in a way that allows the industry to make the necessary technological changes to convert current systems and maintain economic viability."
RSPCA Welcomes the Decision
Animal welfare campaigners from the RSPCA have praised the decision, following their prolonged efforts against CO2 stunning.
Thomas Schultz-Jagow, director of advocacy and prevention at the RSPCA, said: "Every year, millions of pigs suffer distress and pain when slaughtered using CO2, so this is a critical welfare issue
"No one wants to think about animals being slaughtered, but we cannot ignore how the food on our plates is produced, or we have no hope of progressing farmed animal welfare."
He said consumers should think about the welfare of pigs and how pork products are made.
The expert said: "Pigs are sentient and intelligent animals and deserve a good quality life and a humane death. We welcome the Government's commitment to end this slaughter method, and we will work with them to drive this critical change forward to improve the welfare of pigs as soon as possible."
Consultation Details and Next Steps
The consultation welcomes responses from all interested parties, including consumers, farm workers and those in the retail sector who wish to put forward their views.
Defra has set out possible transition periods of either two or three years, allowing abattoirs sufficient time to implement alternative approaches.
The public consultation will remain open until December 21. Submissions can be made online through the Defra website.
