Tesco Resumes Pig Supply from Controversial Farm After Activist Exposé
Tesco has restarted its pig supply from Cross Farm, following an investigation into disturbing footage released by activists.
The footage, captured by Animal Equality activists using hidden cameras between October 2023 and June 2024, showed severe animal welfare violations.
The videos depicted piglets being thumped and killed against concrete walls, tail-docking and tooth-clipping without anaesthetic, a piglet being thrown, and dead piglets left unattended.
In response to the footage, which gained national media attention, Tesco suspended its supply from Cross Farm in June and launched an investigation.
The retailer has since worked with the farm to address the issues, leading to a resumption of supply.
Cross Farm, which houses approximately 12,000 pigs, also had its Red Tractor certification suspended during the investigation. This certification has now been reinstated, but the farm will be subject to additional unannounced spot checks to ensure compliance.
A Red Tractor spokesperson emphasized,
“Animal welfare standards are a top priority for Red Tractor. We take allegations like these very seriously.
The undercover footage raised concerns about compliance, leading to a temporary suspension of the farm’s certificate. An independent assessor found that the farm had implemented measures to address the issues, but it will remain under close scrutiny.”
In response, according to Pig World, Cross Farm stated,
“The welfare of our animals is a top priority for us. We have taken urgent remedial action where standards fell short and have cooperated with independent inspections from farm assurance bodies, APHA, and our supply chain. We will continue to do so.”
Animal Equality has claimed that the footage revealed several potential legal breaches. The organization has enlisted the law firm Advocates for Animals to submit a formal complaint to Trading Standards and APHA.
Abigail Penny, Executive Director of Animal Equality UK, said, “Having visited Cross Farm personally, I witnessed the suffering of these animals firsthand.”
