Animal Welfare

We are committed to continually improving animal welfare standards in our supply chain in line with expectations of our customers

Woolworths’ approach to animal welfare is monitored through the Woolworths Quality Assurance (WQA) program. All vendors supplying private label products to Woolworths are required to participate in the program and to meet our standards and are audited by third-party certification bodies.

Our animal welfare criteria encompass whole-of-chain practices, including farm, transport, saleyard and processing, and set clear objectives that require verification by trained auditors in order for industries to supply livestock products to Woolworths. The criteria currently cover poultry meat, eggs, pork, sheep and beef.

We continue to work closely with our trade partners, supply chain certification bodies and industry experts to help ensure that our standards, procedures and practices are in keeping with the community’s expectations.

Our free-range pork range has increased significantly in the past 12 months. However, we are constrained by supply as industry builds its supply capacity.

Free-range pork is now available in 513 (or 61%) of our Australian Supermarkets. Primo brand RSOCA Approved pork is stocked in 240 stores in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Victoria, the Plantagenet brand is stocked in 36 stores in Western Australia and the Riverview Farms brand has now been added to 246 store sin South Australia and Victoria.

Free-range and barn-laid eggs continue to grow in sales in Australian Supermarkets, by 59.8% of egg sales by volume are still caged eggs. This was a reduction of 2.6% compared to 2010. Our Select branded eggs are only free-range and barn-laid and most caged eggs sales are in Home Brand.

Lastly 98% of our Woolworths’ fresh pork suppliers now operate sow stall free farms.