German Supermarkets Fall Short on Phasing Out Lowest Animal Welfare Standards, DUH Study Finds

The German Environmental Aid Association (DUH) has found that discounters and supermarkets in Germany are not meeting their animal welfare goals. A study commissioned by DUH reveals that these retailers are not entering into enough long-term contracts with farms and meat suppliers to remove fresh meat from housing categories 1 and 2 by 2030, as promised. Only Aldi has committed to making this transition unconditionally, while other retailers have made it contingent on certain conditions.

The DUH is calling on retailers to do more to promote animal welfare, including establishing tripartite agreements with suppliers and farmers to ensure economic safeguards for investments in improved welfare. Additionally, the organization is advocating for statutory producer prices and written contracts throughout the food supply chain. They are also urging for a reduction in livestock numbers to protect the environment and provide more space per animal.