Pick n Pay puts pig pregnancy plans on track

Published Sep 30, 2014

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Nompumelelo Magwaza

PICK n Pay plans to phase out by December next year the sourcing of fresh pork products from pork farmers who use saw crates for pregnant sows during gestation.

The food retailer has also committed to extend this principle to all processed pork products manufactured by Pick n Pay by December 2016.

The move follows an outcry from animal rights groups about the maltreatment of pregnant pigs that are kept in small crates during gestation rather than being placed in group housing where they can be free to move.

Pick n Pay’s group strategy and corporate affairs director, David North, said: “This is a major step forward for farm animal welfare standards in South Africa. There is no legislation on phasing out sow stalls in this country, and a voluntary industry deadline does not take effect until 2020.”

North said the industry’s timetable was too slow. “We have therefore been working with our suppliers and with animal welfare organisations on how we can move on a much faster and more ambitious timescale.”

The supermarket group would strengthen its audit processes to reflect the new requirement.

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