IRTA launches the Animal Welfare Certification Plan

IRTA launches the Animal Welfare Certification Plan “based on Welfare Quality”

The certification is based on the Welfare Quality protocols, which involve a rigorous audit of animal welfare by observing the animals and their environment, as well as checking compliance with legislation.

Animal welfare certification applies to both farms and slaughterhouses, and traceability certification to the consumer can be achieved to obtain the seal on the final product.

AENOR, APPLUS, AUCATEL and KIWA are the four entitiess that have adhered to the certification plan at the time of its launch, being able to certify in different modules, both in pigs, cattle, chickens and hens. In addition, other entities have already shown their interest and are in the process of becoming a member.

On the other hand, IRTA is working under the protocols inspired by Welfare Quality to extend the scope of certification to sheep, goats and turkeys at the slaughterhouse and rabbits both at the farm and at the slaughterhouse.

The certification entities will carry out animal welfare audits with their own auditors. trained by IRTA. In the last year up to 165 people have been accredited in different farm and slaughterhouse modules. For their part, IRTA scientists and technicians will supervise the work of the auditors, as well as the management of the certification plan.

Scientists and technical experts in animal welfare

IRTA’s Animal Welfare Program has been researching and developing protocols for more than 15 years together with international experts from the Welfare Quality Network.

In 2013, IRTA collaborated with AENOR to develop an animal welfare certification plan based on the protocols generated in the European Welfare Quality Project.

In 2014, the first pilot project was completed and the first product, ATO milk, was certified with the “based on Welfare Quality” label. Subsequently, work has continued with AENOR to develop a certification plan for the other production species.

Due to the increase in demand, in the last year different certification entities showed their interest in being able to certify under the same plan, and IRTA decided to develop a certification plan that would allow all of them to opeerate in a standarized manner.

For more info: www.cbawq.es

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