France: Proposal for labelling of animal products

In a report released today, French regulator Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail (Anses) proposes a labelling system for animal products assigning ratings from A to E, akin to Nutri-score nutritional labels. This system aims to give consumers clearer insights into animal welfare practices concerning their raising, transportation, and conditions in slaughterhouses. According to the report, current legislation does not cover the labelling in terms of animal welfare. However, regulated labels such as organic or free-range eggs do exist. But even existing labels lack standardisation and verification, according to Anses. The regulator emphasises the importance of direct data collection from animals to inform the proposed ratings. The suggested labels should reflect eight risk factors, including the animals' genetic makeup, housing, feeding practices, and efforts to minimize stress or pain. For a product to earn a top rating, it must provide animals with easy access to suitable food and an environment that meets their behavioral needs—for instance, supplying pigs with hay to manipulate or providing grains for chickens to peck.