New EU rules put animal welfare on the menu for billions of public meals

The European Commission has proposed revisions to the EU's Public Procurement rules, with a focus on ensuring that public money spent on food contributes to better animal welfare and a more sustainable food system. Public authorities in Europe spend billions of euros on food each year, serving meals in schools, hospitals, and care homes, but there are currently no mandatory EU animal welfare criteria governing these meals. The proposal introduces a dedicated article on food procurement, allowing public buyers to consider animal welfare requirements, organic production, fair remuneration for farmers, and other sustainability factors when making purchasing decisions.

While the recognition of animal welfare in the proposal is a positive step, animal welfare criteria remain optional rather than mandatory. Eurogroup for Animals advocates for mandatory minimum quality criteria for animal welfare and food system sustainability in the final rules. The organization will work to ensure that public money is spent in a way that supports higher animal welfare standards, more sustainable food production, and increased plant-based food options.