Free-range pork labels 'mislead'

Pig farmers agree the labelling system needs changing

Consumers are being misled by pork that is labelled as free range, animal welfare campaign groups say.

Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) and the RSPCA say the welfare of free-range pigs varies widely because there are no set EU standards, unlike for chickens.

Campaigners say some free-range pigs are born outside but spend most of their time being fattened inside. Others are even born indoors.

Ministers say UK pig welfare laws are tighter than in the rest of Europe.

'Needs improvement'

CIWF and the RSPCA say that while some so-called free-range pigs spend their whole lives outdoors, others are born outside but then spend the majority of their life being fattened inside buildings.

In another common farming method, some animals are born indoors because their mothers are housed for intensive breeding.

The British Pig Executive agrees with the campaign groups that the current labelling system does need improvement and says it is hoping to agree standards across the industry.

The government insists there is no need for more rules and points out that pig welfare laws are already tighter here than the rest of Europe.