Q – From where do we source our pigs and how far do they travel?

A – 70% of our contracted pigs are sourced from within Yorkshire, Lincolnshire & Norfolk which are recognised as being some of the best pig breeding areas in the UK. Of these approximately 40% will be sourced from within 25 miles, 60% within 40 miles, and 70% within 50 miles of our pork processing units at Cranswick (Preston) & Cranswick (Norfolk). As a result of the acquisition of Cranswick (Norfolk) pigs sourced in Norfolk & South Lincolnshire will now travel a much shorter distance for processing. Pigs which are transported from further afield are done so on transporters equipped with drinkers and air ventilators. All our hauliers are members of independently audited and certified welfare assurance schemes.

[Top]

Q - What is Cranswick doing to support the British pig industry in its drive to promote higher animal welfare standards?

A – Animal welfare is of paramount importance to the Cranswick Group and we fully support all initiatives aimed at achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards of animal welfare from farm to slaughter. UK welfare standards are recognised as being amongst the highest in the world and as the largest UK owned supplier of fresh pork and further processed pork products our focus remains upon supporting and promoting the sustainability of the British Pig Industry. This is demonstrated by our YOY increase in British production and our ongoing development of specialist products based on British pig meat.

[Top]

Q - Do we have an Animal Welfare Policy?

A – A copy can be viewed via this link.

[Top]

Q – Do we own the farms and breeding units from which our pigs are sourced?

A – Originally Cranswick did own its own breeding units but these were sold in 2007. Since then all pigs are purchased on the basis of a “back to back” contract using Assured British Meat producers with whom we have long standing trading relationships and who are able to deliver the quality, well cared for animals we require.

[Top]

Q – How do we ensure that our producers are operating to high standards of animal welfare?

A – We insist on high standards of animal welfare throughout the supply chain. All our UK producers are members of independently audited and certified farm assurance schemes such as British Quality assured Pork, Free Range Pork, Outdoor Reared Pork, Freedom Foods Pork and Organic Pork. In addition our own Agricultural Manager visits our producers to ensure that the required welfare standards are being maintained.

[Top]

Q – How do we ensure that animal welfare standards are maintained at our own processing units?

A – Our processing units at Cranswick (Preston) & Cranswick (Norfolk) are both certified against the animal welfare and processing standards for the production of British Quality Assured Pork. The standard is owned by the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) and has been developed to ensure that the highest standards of animal welfare, hygiene, traceability and slaughter practices are maintained. Members of the scheme are subject to independent audit which includes unannounced inspection.

[Top]

Q – In what way does British assured pork deliver higher welfare standards than its EU equivalent?

A – British Assured Pig standards require sows to be loose housed throughout the gestation period, neither tethering or castration are permitted and tail clipping is not routinely allowed unless this is advised by a veterinarian to prevent other welfare issues like tail biting.

[Top]

Q – What is the difference between Free Range Pork, Outdoor Reared Pork, Freedom Foods Pork and Organic Pork?

A – These are all recognised as “higher welfare” schemes which go beyond the Assured British Pig welfare standard: Free Range Pork is produced form pigs which are kept outdoors in large open pens but which have access to straw bedded shelters to provide warmth from the winter cold and shade from the summer sun. Outdoor Reared Pork is produced from pigs which are reared outdoors in large open pens for at least half of their life, they are then moved to large straw bedded barns with plenty of space to allow the animal to forage and display natural behaviour until the required slaughter weight is reached. Freedom Foods Pork is certified against the RSPCA Welfare Standards which are based on the latest scientific research, veterinary advice and practical farming experience, and therefore reflects best practice on animal welfare. Compliance with the standard is monitored by the RSPCA and covers the animal welfare of both outdoor and indoor reared animals. Organic Pork covers a wider range of requirements than the other schemes requiring the pigs to be kept in family groups with free access to fields when conditions allow. This means that most organic pigs will be outdoors all year round. Indoor housing is permitted in severe weather conditions, providing that there is plenty of straw bedding, and that there is continued access to an outdoor run. The organic standard also sets requirements on diet (free from genetically modified organisms), and does not allow the routine use of antibiotics.

[Top]

Q – What proportion of the Cranswick pig kill is traceable to welfare schemes?

A – All the pigs processed by Cranswick are traceable to recognised welfare schemes. Of these circa 60% will be bred and reared indoors in full compliance with the British Quality Assured Pig welfare standard. The balance, around 40% , is traceable to Free Range, Outdoor Reared, Freedom Foods and/or Organic Pork higher welfare standards.

[Top]

Q – How do you differentiate British pig meat from that produced on the continent?

A – All the British pigs that we kill are certified against the British Quality Assured Pork scheme which allows the Quality Mark Standard (QMS) for pork to be displayed on pack and which incorporates the British flag to emphasise the origin of the meat. Pork purchased on the continent and butchered in the UK is not allowed to declare the QMS. Higher welfare standard schemes like Freedom Foods and Organic Pork have their own certification logos which are declared on pack. Added value pork based meat products such as sausage, ham, & bacon produced by manufacturers who are certified against the product specific British Quality Assured Pork standard`s can also display a QMS to assure the consumer of the British assured origin of the pork used within these products.

[Top]

Q – What is meant by the 5 freedoms in relation to animal welfare?

A  –A core requirement of all animal welfare schemes is to provide the animal with the 5 freedoms specified by the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) as being essential to the welfare of the animal these are:

Freedom from hunger & thirst – by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.

Freedom from discomfort – by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.

Freedom from pain, injury or disease – by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Freedom to express normal behaviour – by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind.

Freedom from fear and distress – by ensuring conditions and care which avoid mental suffering.

[Top]

Q – Why does the Freedom Foods certification scheme allow indoor pig rearing systems?

A – The indoor system is still required to achieve and maintain the requirements of the certification standard. It is the aim of the RSPCA to improve the welfare of all animals whether these are kept indoors or outdoors. They believe that appropriately designed and well maintained indoor systems can provide for an animal’s key welfare requirements.

[Top]

Q - Do the various certification schemes cover the animal’s welfare during transportation from the farm to the processing unit?

A – Yes. Transporters of animals are required to comply with The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 2006, in addition all hauliers used by Cranswick and its producers are certified against the Assured British Meat Livestock Transport Scheme (or its equivalent).

[Top]

Q - How is the welfare of the animal monitored by Cranswick?

A – All our producers are monitored by independent auditing bodies which ensure that compliance with the various welfare schemes is maintained. In addition Cranswick has its own team of qualified Animal Welfare Officers (AWO) who are responsible for inspecting the pigs as they arrive at site, whilst they are in the lairage, and also for ensuring that the process of stunning and slaughter is carried out in the most humane way possible.

[Top]

Q - How is Cranswick keeping abreast of the animal welfare debate and the development of new approaches to animal welfare?

A – As an active member of the British Pig Executive (BPEX) and The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) we are able to contribute to the debate and influence the industry's future approach to animal welfare. We also have representation on the Technical Advisory Committee at the BMPA who are responsible for maintaining, developing and enforcing compliance with the various British Quality Assured Pork schemes for pork meat and pork based meat products.

[Top]