We are committed to the welfare of animals raised or caught for human consumption
Animal welfare is important to many of our customers. At the same time, animal products remain part of the average Belgian diet. For products of animal origin, we make targeted efforts to safeguard and continuously improve animal welfare. We do this in collaboration with our suppliers, sector organisations and independent experts.
What do we mean by animal welfare?
Animal welfare refers to the physical and emotional quality of life of living animals throughout their entire lives. This means they can express their natural behaviour, remain in good health and receive appropriate nutrition and housing.
Our efforts apply to animal-based products intended for human consumption and primarily sold under our own brands. This includes farmed animals from livestock farming and aquaculture, as well as wild animals and their by-products. Our approach is guided by the Five Domains Model, developed by Professor Mellor, which consists of:
Nutrition
Physical environment
Health
Behaviour and interactions
Mental state
Why are we committed to improving animal welfare?
The scientific consensus is that animals experience pain and emotions such as fear, stress and pleasure. Since 2024, this recognition has been reflected in the Belgian Constitution, underlining the importance of treating animals with respect. At Colruyt Group, we have long adopted a proactive approach in this area. As a result, many of the requirements in our specifications were already in place before Belgian or European legislation made them mandatory. Examples include our transition to park rabbits and the discontinuation of the physical castration of male piglets.
In addition, the vast majority of Europeans are concerned about animal welfare. Consumers increasingly want to know how the products on their plate were produced. Labels on our packaging, such as the organic label and ASC certification, help provide greater transparency.
How do we promote animal welfare?
Our requirements regarding feed, grazing and housing conditions, antibiotic use and transport are described in detail in our product specifications. For beef, pork, chicken and eggs, these specifications go beyond the minimum legal requirements. Examples of additional initiatives include:
The ‘home-grown chicken’: by working directly with Belgian poultry farmers, we improve the welfare of standard broiler chickens. In doing so, we follow the principles of the Better Chicken Commitment.
More freedom of movement for cattle: together with three officially recognised producer organisations representing cattle farmers, we help ensure that cows can graze in pastures for at least half of the year.
Crustastun: Our Cru stores sell live lobsters. Because lobsters can also experience pain, we use a painless electrical shock to kill the animals before cooking.
Organic meat and fish: Organic production standards contain extensive animal welfare requirements. Animals are given organic feed and more outdoor space. The use of antibiotics is strongly restricted, encouraging farmers to focus more on preventive healthcare.
ASC certification for fish and shellfish: Aquaculture farms with ASC certification follow strict requirements regarding space, water quality, animal health, preventive antibiotic use and humane methods of stunning and slaughter.
