This year's National BBQ Week has seen a rise in people questioning the standard of the food they purchase, be it for ethical, welfare reasons or the general quality of the produce.
More than two-thirds of vets (71%) actively check labels and ask questions about the meat, fish and dairy products they purchase, according to figures revealed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) to mark National BBQ Week (30 May – 5 June).
As guardians of animal welfare, vets put the welfare and provenance of animals bred for food at the top of their list when buying meat and fish.
BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey panel, which polls over 1,000 UK vets, highlighted that many vets support the higher welfare standards of British farming, with 9 out of 10 vets saying they would be more likely to buy food if it was labelled as British or locally sourced.
Over three quarters of vets said that they would be more likely to buy free-range (77%) or food that carried a Farm Assurance Scheme label (over 50% for Red Tractor and RSPCA Assured [formerly known as Freedom Food]).
Ending slaughter without pre-stunning
BVA President Sean Wensley encouraged consumers to check labels as the warmer weather sees BBQs and picnics take centre stage in gatherings of families and friends.
Commenting, Sean said: "Animal welfare should be a paramount consideration whether we’re thinking about purchasing pets or the food we eat.
"For vets it’s a top priority that the animals we rear for food have a good life and a humane death.
"Vets are not alone in caring about where their food comes from. To support high standards of animal welfare, all of us can vote for good animal health and welfare through our thoughtful meat, fish, and dairy purchases and send a strong message to food producers and retailers this summer."
BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey panel also revealed that 9 out of 10 vets would be less likely to buy meat or fish if it was labelled as not stunned prior to slaughter.
BVA is leading a campaign to end slaughter without pre-stunning for animal welfare reasons and calling for better labelling of food to help consumers make pro-animal welfare choices.
