The policy will require animal protein suppliers to end the use of cages and crates as well as meet additional standards set by animal welfare experts
Malaysia-based retail chain AEON Co. (M) Bhd (AEON) won praise for publishing a comprehensive new animal health and welfare policy that protects the Five Freedoms of animals in the company’s supply chain, from egg-laying hens to cows, chickens and fish.
The Company believes that animal welfare is deeply related to the relationship human beings have with animals and agrees that it is every retailer’s duty to ensure all animals are treated humanely, responsibly, and with respect.
The policy, drafted with the support of the international NGO Lever Foundation, will require animal protein suppliers to end the use of cages and crates, limit stocking densities, provide suitable environments as well as meet additional standards set by animal welfare experts. AEON is working closely with its suppliers to ensure the new standards and guidelines are met within the next 12 – 18 months. AEON noted that the new animal health and welfare policy is an essential step towards protecting farm animals in its supply chain, thus meeting the growing expectations of customers who demand higher standards of animal welfare.
“We applaud AEON Malaysia for this new holistic set of standards that will further improve the welfare of egg-laying hens, chickens, cows, fish and other animals in the company’s supply chain,” said Vilosha Sivaraman, Sustainability Program Manager at Lever Foundation, which worked closely with AEON on drafting the policy.
