Local MP says think before you BOGOF

4.22.05pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 23rd Sep 2008

New research to mark the RSPCA's Freedom Food Farm Animal Week (22-28 September) measures just how ethical our shopping and eating habits are and how they impact on farm animal welfare.

The research found that in spite of the credit crunch, 56% of respondents say that they choose higher welfare eggs, 39% higher welfare labelled chicken and 41% stated they are now more likely to let animal welfare influence their choice of food compared to five years ago.

However, these encouraging trends are tempered by the fact that barriers and temptation can still get in the way of a desire to be more ethical: 66% of all respondents admitted that they had bought cheaper standard chicken or salmon when tempted by special offers such as Buy One Get One Free (BOGOFS).

Local MP Tom Brake, a long time supporter of higher welfare standards for farm animals said:

"By choosing welfare-friendly food such as RSPCA Freedom Food labelled products, we can influence the way animals are reared, reward the farmers for their higher standards and encourage other farmers to switch to more animal-friendly methods of animal-rearing".

To help raise awareness of the issue during RSPCA Freedom Food Farm Animal Week shoppers are being given the chance to test out their own welfare credentials or 'Farm Animal Footprint', by visiting www.animalwelfarefootprint.com and participating in a simple quiz.