Arla and Tesco suspend farms following animal-welfare investigation
The Animal Justice Project released the recordings over the weekend. Its findings included 50 cases of serious lameness. The alleged mistreatment shown included cows being struck, lifted using machinery and made to lie on straw contaminated with urine and faeces. Three of the farms featured are understood to supply Tesco, while two supply Morrisons.
Arla began an urgent inquiry after the covert recordings emerged. On completing that investigation, the dairy supplier said it had substantiated instances of conduct that did not meet its standards. It subsequently stopped collecting milk from a number of the farms concerned.
The affected farms must follow corrective plans involving extensive training and subsequent checks. Arla said it would monitor adherence closely and take additional measures if the farms failed to satisfy its requirements.
Arla also announced stricter welfare rules following its findings. Every member of farm staff will be required to undertake animal-handling training each year. The changes also include tighter limits on particular handling methods and equipment, alongside more inspections without advance notice. The company said it had examined other farms appearing in the coverage where no specific welfare concerns had been raised, and found no animal-handling problems there.
Tesco said the farms concerned had been suspended while it conducted a thorough investigation. A spokesperson described parts of the recordings as distressing and said farmers were expected to meet the retailer's welfare requirements. The supermarket also said that, although some farms appearing in the footage did not supply it, it would investigate allegations fully and act immediately against any farm that breached its standards.
Morrisons described the footage as deeply concerning. A spokesperson told The Grocer that the retailer regarded animal welfare as a serious responsibility and expected suppliers to meet the standards demanded by the business and its customers. It had neither suspended farms nor committed to an independent investigation.
