Arla and Tesco have suspended farms featured in an investigation revealing hundreds of alleged animal welfare abuses.
The dairy supplier had launched an “urgent investigation” into the farms featured in the footage, which was covertly filmed at several of its British farms.
The investigation has now concluded and had “confirmed cases of unacceptable behaviour that fall below our standards”, Arla said.
”We have therefore suspended milk collection from a number of the farms involved,” said a spokesperson. “These farms have been placed on action plans, including extensive training and follow-up requirements.
“Compliance will be closely monitored, and failure to meet the required standards will result in further action.”
Footage from the Animal Justice Project released over the weekend catalogued 360 potential welfare breaches, including 50 serious lameness cases, across 15 Arla-supplying farms.
The suspected abuse included, but was not limited to, cows being beaten, hoisted by machinery and being forced to sleep on urine-soaked, faeces-covered straw.
Three of the farms are understood to supply milk into Tesco, and two into Morrisons.
Arla has also announced it will be “strengthening its animal welfare requirements” off the back of its investigation.
This includes mandatory annual animal-handling training for all farm staff, tighter restrictions on certain animal handling practices and equipment, and an increased use of unannounced audits.
“We have also assessed a number of farms featured in the coverage where no specific animal welfare concerns were raised, and found no issues relating to the handling of animals,” Arla added.
Tesco has also confirmed that it has suspended the farms in its supply chain.
“We take animal welfare extremely seriously, and we expect all our farmers to adhere to our high welfare standards,” said a Tesco spokesperson. “Some elements of this footage are distressing, and the farms have been suspended while we thoroughly investigate.”
A spokesperson for Morrisons told The Grocer that the supermarket took “animal welfare extremely seriously” and that it expected all of its suppliers to “operate to the highest standards that we and our customers demand”.
But, despite saying the footage was “deeply concerning”, Morrisons has not committed to an independent investigation or suspended any farms.
”While there are a number of non-Tesco farms featured, we will always fully investigate any allegations and take immediate action against any farm failing to meet our high welfare standards,” Tesco added.
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