Premature Comment No Basis for Poultry Slaughter Policy

UK - British Poultry Council (BPC) warns against speculation on the content of the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC) report due to be published in October.
calendar icon 15 August 2008
clock icon 3 minute read

Over the last two weeks, says BPC, there has been media speculation concerning the content of the Farm Animal Welfare Council's (FAWC) report on the welfare of poultry at slaughter.

BPC understands that the report is not due to be published until October at the earliest. BPC believes that the comments reported to have been made by Prof David Henderson need to be considered in the context of the full report, when it is published.

The poultry sector has always worked closely with FAWC and takes seriously any report issued by the government's official adviser on farm animal welfare.

BPC members have been involved with Bristol University over a number of years, in joint research on bird welfare in both electrical and gas stunning systems, and have implemented several welfare improvements resulting from this work.

Commenting on the media stories, Peter Bradnock, Chief Executive said, "It is not helpful to have this amount of premature comment and speculation. What is important is to see what FAWC are actually saying in the report and on what scientific basis they are saying it."

He continued, "Consumers would be better informed after all organizations involved have had a chance to objectively consider the FAWC report, when it is eventually published. That consideration, rather than premature comment, should be the basis for the future of poultry slaughter methods.

"British Poultry Council will be studying the recommendations made by FAWC and will be looking at what action is necessary with our members and with researchers. We will also be considering it in the context of the EU Commission's proposals to amend the existing EU welfare at slaughter regulations."

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